Chapter 22

MRS. PHILIP YENNEYPHILIP YENNEYIn early manhood Philip Yenney was united in marriage to Miss Rachael Winnett, a native of Pennsylvania, and they became the parents of the following children. John Fred, born in Iowa, June 5, 1858, came with his parents to Washington in 1860 and was educated in Walla Walla. During his active business life he followed farming in Columbia county, but died at San Diego, California, where he had gone with the hope of benefiting his health. He was three times married and left a family of seven children. His third wife now makes her home in East Walla Walla. Sarah M., the second of the family, married James McKee, of Walla Walla, and they made their home at Pomeroy. She died, leaving a husband and six children. Robert C. was born, reared and educated in Walla Walla. He was graduated in 1889 from Whitman College. Subsequently he entered the University of Pennsylvania, where he pursued a medical course and was graduated with the degree of M. D. After spending one year in hospital work he located in Portland, where he has since engaged in practice. He is now at the head of a hospital unit ready for service when the government calls. William H. and Lewis O. are represented on another page of this volume. Margaret, the youngest child, married Ernest E. Brown, of Spokane, where she now resides. Two children, Thomas J. and Anna R., died while young.Mr. Yenney was a consistent member of the Lutheran church and died in that faith on the 28th of June, 1905. His life was at all times honorable and upright and commended him to the confidence and goodwill of those with whom he came in contact. His widow still survives him and now occupies the old family home at No. 834 East Alder street in Walla Walla. She, too, is a consistent Christian and has membership in the Methodist Episcopal church.WILLIAM H. YENNEY.The great wheat fields of Walla Walla county and the surrounding sections of this state and of northern Oregon are always a matter of marvel to the traveler, who thinks of the west as a region of mines and of forests and little realizes what wonderful strides have been made along agricultural lines. Prominent in connection with farming interests in Walla Walla county is William H. Yenney, who superintends his operations from his city home.He was born in this county October 17, 1869, and is a son of Philip and Rachael (Winnett) Yenney. He spent his early youth on the old home farmand was educated in the district schools and in Whitman College, which he attended for two years. After reaching adult age he continued to remain on the old homestead and cooperated with his father in the latter's extensive farming and horse raising enterprises. Since his father's death he and his brother Lewis have operated the farm in partnership and are classed among the most successful agriculturists of Walla Walla county. There is no phase of progressive farming with which they are not familiar and their thoroughly up-to-date methods produce splendid results. They have broad wheat fields and also produce other crops, while at the same time they are extensively and successfully engaged in stock raising. In the spring of 1917 W. H. Yenney removed to Walla Walla, where he now lives in a handsome new residence at No. 20 Merriam street.At Dayton, Washington, Mr. Yenney was united in marriage to Miss Cora Edgell, a daughter of William and Sarah (Kuykendall) Edgell, of Illinois. To Mr. and Mrs. Yenney have been born four children, namely: Frank, who is now on the home ranch; Philip, now attending high school; and Clark and Richard, also in school. Philip Yenney is president of the champion football team of the northwest, which is the Walla Walla high school team. It has defeated all competitors in the northwest and also the Salt Lake City team.Mr. and Mrs. Yenney are active workers on committees for the successful prosecution of the war, being prominently connected with the work of the Red Cross, the Young Women's Christian Association and the Young Men's Christian Association. Mrs. Yenney is a Member of the Methodist Episcopal church and, like her husband, enjoys the warm regard and friendship of all with whom she has been associated. Her home is noted for its warm-hearted hospitality and is the center of a cultured society circle. Fraternally Mr. Yenney is connected with Washington Lodge, No. 19, I. O. O. F., and he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. He is regarded as one of the foremost business men of Walla Walla county and there is no phase of modern day enterprise having to do with farming operations with which he is not familiar.LEWIS O. YENNEY.Lewis O. Yenney, a representative farmer of Walla Walla county, is residing at No. 834 East Alder street in the city of Walla Walla. He has spent his entire life in this county, where his birth occurred on the 8th of May, 1872. He represents one of its old and prominent pioneer families, his parents being Philip J. and Rachael (Winnett) Yenney, who are mentioned elsewhere in this volume.His youthful experiences were those of the farmbred boy. He spent his early life under the parental roof and was early trained to the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. His education was acquired in the district schools, supplemented by study in Whitman College, and on reaching manhood he became the active assistant of his father and brother in the management of extensive farming interests. For some years prior to the father's death the brothers had entire charge of the important agricultural business which he had built up. He gave to them each an interest in the farm and since his death they have continued its cultivation and improvement. It is equipped with all of the latest accessories and conveniences known to the model farm of the twentieth century. There are large and commodious buildings for the shelter of grain and stock and the latest improved machinery promotes the work of the fields.WILLIAM H. YENNEYMRS. WILLIAM H. YENNEYMr. Yenney resides with his mother and is looking after her interest, comfort and welfare in her old age, for she has now reached the age of eighty-five, having been born on the 22d of November, 1832. She is remarkably well preserved for one of her years and keeps in touch with interests and events of modern days. The fact that many of Mr. Yenney's warmest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood is an indication that his life has been an active, useful and honorable one. For forty-five years he has lived in this county and has witnessed much of its growth and development. He has seen its lands reclaimed and cultivated, its forests cut and its other natural resources utilized. As the years have passed on he has borne his share in the work of general improvement and progress, while at the same time he has conducted his private business interests in a way that has brought very substantial results, and today Walla Walla county numbers him among her leading agriculturists.FRED GREENVILLE.Fred Greenville, of Walla Walla, who is engaged in farming, was born in Minnesota on the 16th of July, 1860, a son of Peter and Jean (Mitchell) Greenville. The father followed the occupation of farming in Rice county, Minnesota, where he spent his entire life. Fred Greenville acquired a limited education in the common schools, but during much of the time when he should have attended school, his services were required upon the farm and his training was that of the fields rather than of the schoolroom. On reaching his twentieth year he came to Washington in 1881, settling in Walla Walla county, where he began work as a farm hand. He continued to work for wages for a number of years but in 1881 took up a homestead on the Eureka Flats, which he operated with hired help for several years. Subsequently he rented land and began farming for himself, and as his financial resources have increased, he has added to his holdings from time to time until his farming possessions now aggregate eleven hundred and twenty acres of valuable wheat land in Walla Walla county. In fact he is one of the leading wheat growers of this section of the state and cultivates fifteen hundred acres, renting three quarter sections of his land. He also leases a section and a half of land belonging to others and a quarter section on Dry creek, together with a half section in Franklin county. His life history proves conclusively that activity doesn't tire, that it gives resisting power and develops further strength. He has learned how best to conserve time and effort and to make each blow tell in the accomplishment of his purpose. His business affairs are most carefully systematized and the work of the farm is done in the same methodical manner as that of a commercial enterprise.In 1890 Mr. Greenville was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Timm, of Paha, Adams county, Washington, by whom he has five children, as follows: Ollie, the wife of Adolphus Myers, who is employed by her father; and Ettie, Lloyd, Lola and Howard, all at home.Mr. Greenville gives his political allegiance to the republican party and was elected to the board of county commissioners of Walla Walla county in 1908, serving in that capacity for one term. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Trinity Lodge, No. 121, and also to the encampment and the canton. He is also a member of the Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287, B. P. O. E., of Walla Walla Aerie, No. 26, F. O. E., and of the Woodmen of the World. Notwithstanding his lack of early advantages and educational opportunities, Mr. Greenville has made steady progress in his business career and his ambition and energy, which are among his most marked characteristics, constitute an example well worthy of emulation.H. A. REYNOLDS.H. A. Reynolds is largely concentrating his time and efforts upon general agricultural pursuits, being located on the Ransom Clark donation claim adjoining Walla Walla. He has, however, other important business connections and is well known as a progressive and representative citizen of his section of the state. He was born on the farm where he now resides, October 14, 1863, his parents being Almos H. and Lettice (Millican) Reynolds. He was reared upon the home farm and acquired his education in the public schools, supplemented by a high school course at Ann Arbor, Michigan. He afterward attended the State University of Michigan, from which he was graduated with the class of 1886, winning the Bachelor of Arts degree. He then took up the study of law under J. B. Allen but failing health caused him to discontinue his preparation for the bar for a time. Later, however, he continued his reading under B. L. Sharpstein and was admitted to the bar. He then practiced law for a brief period but on account of his health gave up professional activity and turned his attention to farming that he might be benefited by the outdoor life. He has since been connected with agricultural pursuits and is now giving his time largely to the further development and improvement of the Ransom Clark donation, which constitutes one of the valuable farming properties in the vicinity of Walla Walla. He has other important business connections, however, and is a stockholder in the Farmers Savings Bank and in the Malcolm McLean Grocery Company. He also is identified with other business interests of Walla Walla, where he likewise has made judicious investments in property. In business affairs he is a man of sound judgment and keen discrimination, readily judging between the essential and the non-essential, and his efforts have been most intelligently directed and his investments most judiciously made.In 1891 Mr. Reynolds was united in marriage to Miss Bertha C. Truesdell, of Minnesota, who was a teacher in the Whitman College. To this marriage have been born five children: Carrie, who is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College of South Hadley, Massachusetts; Charlotte, who was graduated from Whitman College with the class of 1917; Margaret, who is in her junior year at Whitman College; Harry Jay; and Allen Lynn.Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds are members of the Congregational church and take an active interest in its work and in many projects which are developed for thepublic good. In his political views Mr. Reynolds is a stalwart republican, and while never an aspirant for office, he has been a prominent factor in the affairs of his party for years past. He was elected to the board of county commissioners as an advocate of the project of building a new courthouse and was elected on that issue. He was also a member of the board that had in charge the construction of the new courthouse and at all times his aid and influence have been given to those projects which are looking to the present welfare and the future advancement of city and county. Those who know him esteem him as a man of genuine worth. His liberal education, his public spirit, his recognition of the duties and obligations of citizenship make him one of the valued and representative men of Walla Walla county and his social qualities make for personal popularity.GEORGE C. ALEXANDER.Thirty-six years have been added to the cycle of the centuries since George C. Alexander became a resident of Walla Walla county. For many years he was actively engaged in general farming and still makes his home on section 12, township 6 north, range 35 east, but is now living retired, having in former years acquired a handsome competence that enables him to rest from further labor. He was born in La Fayette, Indiana, on the 18th of March, 1861, a son of Emanuel and Antha (Stretch) Alexander, the former a native of Ohio, while the latter was born in Indiana. The father was a farmer by occupation and spent the last four years of his life in the home of his son, George C., passing away in 1905.George C. Alexander was reared under the parental roof and acquired a public school education. At the age of twelve years, however, he became a wage earner and has since been dependent upon his own resources for whatever he has achieved and enjoyed. He worked as a farm hand for neighboring farmers up to the time of his marriage, which was celebrated on the 28th of May, 1893, Miss Lillie C. Davis becoming his wife. During her girlhood days she accompanied her parents, William J. and Lucy E. (Hecker) Davis, to Walla Walla county, the removal being made from Iowa in 1885.George C. Alexander had arrived in Walla Walla county in 1881 and after taking up his abode here worked as a farm hand until the time of his marriage, when he began farming on his own account, renting land. In 1905 he purchased his first land, becoming owner of his present home place of two hundred and twenty acres. He had enough money to make a half payment on the place and within five years he had cleared it of all indebtedness. In subsequent years he has put improvements upon it to the value of more than twenty-five hundred dollars. He has also bought eighty acres of irrigated land in Montana. Taking up his abode upon the home farm, he concentrated his efforts and attention upon its further development and improvement and in the course of years his labors worked a marked transformation in the appearance of the place, which he brought under a high state of cultivation. He still resides upon his home farm but is now living retired and rents his land, while he is enjoying the fruits of his former labor. In politics he maintains an independent course nor has he ever sought the honors and emoluments of public office. He ranks with the leading and representativemen of his township and deserves much credit for what he has accomplished. He has truly won the proud American title of a self-made man, for he started out empty-handed when a youth of but twelve years and has worked his way steadily upward by diligence and determination. Whatever he has gained has been the reward of his earnest labor and his record indicates what may be accomplished in a busy life where there is a will to dare and to do. His course should serve to inspire and encourage others, showing what may be done through persistent, earnest effort when guided by sound judgment.D. B. STIMMEL.Through struggles and adversities D. B. Stimmel has reached a position among the prosperous residents of Walla Walla county and is now living retired in Waitsburg. For many years he was actively connected with agricultural interests, and diligence and determination brought to him the measure of success that now enables him to rest from further labors. He was born in Columbus, Ohio, January 1, 1856, his parents being Benjamin and Charlotte (Smith) Stimmel, who were also natives of the Buckeye state, where they were reared and married. In 1861 they removed westward to Tazewell county, Illinois, and in 1879 became residents of Reno county, Kansas. There the father died in the '90s, but the mother is still living and now makes her home with a son in Oklahoma.D. B. Stimmel was the eldest in a family of ten children, nine sons and one daughter. The duty and the burden of assisting in rearing the family and providing for their support fell upon his shoulders and as a consequence his education was limited. He could attend school only at such times as his services were not required upon the farm. He remained at home until he reached his twenty-fourth year, when in 1880 he filed on a homestead in Reno county, Kansas, and began farming on his own account. There he resided for nine years, when he determined to try his fortune in the northwest, having heard favorable reports concerning this section of the country. In the spring of 1889, therefore, he made his way to Walla Walla county, Washington, arriving in Waitsburg about the middle of May with a wife and six children and a cash capital of but fifteen dollars. Here he began working for wages, being thus employed through the harvest season, and in the fall of that year he rented a farm and began its cultivation. He was not familiar, however, with the farming conditions of this section of the country and the poor crops and the widespread financial panic of 1893 made his first few years a struggle for existence. In the winter of 1895-6 he left the farm which he had rented with an indebtedness of three thousand dollars. The following spring he went up into the Nez Percé country and engaged in hauling posts and doing other work for the Indians, in which circumstances he was reminded of the scriptural passage that "the first shall be last and the last first." He may not have liked this domination of an inferior race, but he was willing to accept any occupation or employment that would yield him an honest living. The following fall he located on a place of one hundred and sixty acres belonging to his brother-in-law and afterward purchased two hundred and forty acres adjoining that farm, assuming a mortgage of twelve hundred dollars and back taxes and interest. He paid one hundred dollars cash upon the property, which according to the terms of agreement would cost him nine dollars and sixty-five cents per acre. A year later it had more than doubled in value and recently would have sold for one hundred dollars per acre. From the time of his purchase of this property Mr. Stimmel's prosperity began. The tide seemed to have turned for him and the years brought him a substantial measure of success as a reward for his labors. At different times he continued adding to his property, acquiring two other quarter sections of land, so that his ranch came to be one of five hundred and sixty acres. A quarter section of this he afterward deeded to his two older sons upon his retirement from active business, but he still retains ownership of four hundred acres, which he rents to his sons. In 1906 he removed to Waitsburg and later erected his present handsome city residence.MR. AND MRS. D. B. STIMMELIn 1879, in Reno county, Kansas, Mr. Stimmel was united in marriage to Miss Hattie E. Kirby, by whom he had ten children, eight of whom are yet living: Minnie, who is the wife of Lorenzo Bly, of Alberta, Canada; Earl and Ernest, twins, who follow farming in Walla Walla county; John T., also an agriculturist of Walla Walla county; William, who operates his father's farm; Viola, who gave her hand in marriage to Ralph Lukenbihl, of Waitsburg; Millie, who makes her home with her sister Minnie in Alberta, Canada; and Albert, also a resident of Alberta, Canada. The wife and mother passed away in December, 1908, and in 1909 Mr. Stimmel was again married, this union being with Mrs. Mary J. Lynch née Lewis, of Ontario, Canada.Mr. Stimmel gives his political allegiance to the republican party. Fraternally he is connected with Waitsburg Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M.; Waitsburg Lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F.; and with the Woodmen of the World. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church and are people of genuine personal worth, enjoying the warm regard and goodwill of all with whom they have been brought in contact. Difficulties and obstacles have at times beset the path of Mr. Stimmel but with persistency of purpose he has continued his labors and as the years have gone on has earned a most satisfactory reward. When determination, perseverance and talent are arrayed against drawbacks, poverty and trials, the result is almost absolutely certain. The former are invincible—they know no defeat. The habits of industry and close application which he early developed have constituted the foundation of his present success.MRS. MARY A. KIMMERLY.For almost half a century Mrs. Mary A. Kimmerly has been a resident of Walla Walla and has therefore witnessed almost the entire development of this region. She was born in Portage, Genesee county, New York, and bore the maiden name of Miss Mary A. Nesdel. In early life she went to Minnesota, where she married Frank Kimmerly, also a native of New York, his birth having occurred in Watertown. By trade he was a millwright and erected the first flour mill in Rochester, Minnesota, which was one of the first mills built in thestate. In 1869 he brought his family to Washington and here readily found work at his trade, erecting a mill at Lapwai, another at Weston and several others. He also branched out into general contracting and built many of the best residences in Walla Walla during the '70s. He erected the Stine House, where now the Dacres Hotel stands, and several other important business structures.Mr. Kimmerly was not only prominent in industrial circles but also took an active part in public affairs, serving as deputy sheriff of Walla Walla county and also as city treasurer. He was a thirty-second degree Mason and was the first master of Rose Croix Lodge of Perfection at Walla Walla. He was generally recognized as one of the most prominent residents of the city and his death, which occurred on the 28th of July, 1878, was considered a great loss to the community. Mrs. Kimmerly still survives her husband and continues to live at the old Kimmerly residence with her two sons, E. S. and W. W., at No. 526 South Second street.HON. CHARLES BESSERER.Hon. Charles Besserer was the builder of the third house in Walla Walla and was prominently identified with the city for many years, especially in connection with newspaper publication. He became recognized as one of the foremost journalists on the Pacific coast and his editorials, original and trenchant, were widely read. He was born near Heidelberg, Germany, October 10, 1838, and at seventeen years of age he enlisted for service in the English army. While still a member of the army he was sent to the state of Washington, at which time Walla Walla was but a log cabin village. When his term of enlistment was over he decided to make the United States his home and he proved his loyalty to his adopted land by valiant service in the Union army during the Civil war. He ever took an active interest in government affairs and did not a little to shape public thought and action in regard to community interests. He early turned his attention to newspaper work. After having honorably served throughout the period of hostilities between the north and the south he returned to Walla Walla, where he erected the third house of the city. A few years later he went to Montana, where he resided for a brief period, but in 1873 he returned to Walla Walla, where he embarked in the grocery business. In 1875, however, he became actively connected with newspaper publication in the purchase of the Spirit of the West, a weekly paper published in Walla Walla, the name of which he changed to the Watchman. In 1885 he established the Milton Eagle and a year later he sold the Watchman. A few years afterward he purchased the Journal and the Watchman, both of Walla Walla, and for several years managed these papers successfully, but again he sold out and paid a visit to his native country. Upon his return to America he purchased the Union, the Journal and the Watchman and combined the three papers into a new publication known as the Morning Union. This he continued to own and edit until 1898, when he removed to Oakland, California. He was quite successful financially and it was his love of editorial work that caused him to continue his labors on the San Francisco and other papers subsequent to the establishment of his home in California. He was widely known because of his interesting and comprehensive editorials, which were eagerly read throughout the west. His paper was ever maintained as an independent sheet in regard to politics. He also wrote many articles of a worldwide scope for Harper's Weekly.CHARLES BESSERERHon. Charles Besserer was united in marriage to Miss Ida Sanderson, who still survives him, his death having occurred on the 2d of February, 1912, being occasioned by heart trouble. The part which he took in the early development and subsequent progress of Walla Walla well entitles him to representation in its history.LIEUTENANT BERNARD OVIATT WILLS.Among the native sons of Walla Walla who are rendering excellent service in the armed forces of the nation is Lieutenant Bernard Oviatt Wills, U. S. N., who is now assigned to special duty in New York city. He was born in Walla Walla, August 22, 1887, and is a son of W. H. and Clara (Oviatt) Wills, an account of whom appears in the sketch of their son, Fred Gaylord Wills.Bernard O. Wills attended the public schools of Walla Walla and continued his study in the high school, graduating with the class of 1905. The following year he entered the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis and in 1910 completed the required course there and received the title of ensign. He has remained continuously in the navy and has won promotion, so that although he is still a young man he now has the rank of senior lieutenant. He is now serving by assignment on the special board of patrol, with office at No. 11 Broadway, New York city, and his highly efficient work in that connection is of importance in the great task that confronts the navy in placing the defenses and the naval forces of the United States on a war footing. He is a representative young naval officer, proud of the history and traditions of the navy, thoroughly equipped by highly specialized training for the work in hand, high-spirited and yet recognizing that the high order of ability and daring found in the personnel of the navy can only be made available to the nation's service by discipline.On the 3d of July, 1917, Lieutenant Wills was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Lee Hanscom. Although he has been stationed in the east for some time, his many friends in Walla Walla have not lost sight of him and have followed his career with great interest and pride.MISS MARY J. THOMAS.In the educational circles of Walla Walla Miss Mary J. Thomas is widely and favorably known. She has done much to further the interests of the public schools and is now the principal of the Sharpstein school. She is a native daughter of Walla Walla and the spirit of western enterprise has found expression in her work. Her father, George Franklin Thomas, was born in Norfolk, Virginia, in the year 1815 and when very young left home, going to the state ofNew York. In 1840 he removed from the Empire state to the south and for many years engaged in staging in Georgia and in Alabama. In 1850 he became one of the Argonauts who sought gold on the western front, making his way to California. After reaching that state he resumed his staging business, which he successfully conducted, and he may well be termed the pioneer stage man of the Pacific coast. He became the president of the Oregon & California Stage Company, which conducted a fine line of stages from Sacramento to Portland. After the war between the north and the south he removed to Salem, Oregon, and on the discovery of gold in the Salmon River mountains he placed a line of stages on the road between The Dalles and Celilo. When the Oregon Steam & Navigation Company built a railroad there he moved onward and started a stage line between Wallula and Walla Walla. In 1863 he built the Thomas & Ruckle Road across the Blue mountains and was identified for many years with the principal mail route in this section of the country. In 1865 he was elected mayor of the city and for many years in rotation was elected councilman. In 1874 he was the candidate on the democratic ticket for the office of sheriff of the county and was elected over three competitors. At the next election in 1876 he was reelected and from 1878 until the time of his death was associated with this office. He passed away January 12, 1884, survived by a wife and six children, two sons and four daughters, but since then the mother and two sons have passed away. The daughters are Mrs. Thomas Durry, Mrs. Thomas Page and Miss Mary J. Thomas, of Walla Walla; and Mrs. George M. Cosgrove, of Spokane, Washington. The mother, who bore the maiden name of Bridget Rodgers, was born in Ireland, June 24, 1832, and came to America in 1844, first settling in New Orleans and later removing to California. Her death occurred in Walla Walla, November 26, 1905.Miss Mary J. Thomas, reared in Walla Walla, was educated in St. Vincent's Academy and became a grade teacher in the Baker school of Walla Walla. She has since devoted her life to that profession and became principal of the Baker school, while later she was transferred to the Sharpstein school, of which she is now the principal. She holds to high ideals in her work, is constantly studying out new methods to improve her efficiency and her own zeal and interest in the work have inspired and encouraged both teachers and pupils under her.JAMES F. CROPP, M. D.For almost forty years Dr. James F. Cropp has successfully engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Walla Walla, where he was also the promoter and founder of the Walla Walla Hospital, an institution of which the city has every reason to be proud. He has ever occupied a prominent position in professional circles and has been instrumental in maintaining the highest standards of activity in his chosen field, recognizing fully the duties and obligations which devolve upon the physician. He was born in Virginia, April 16, 1854. His father, Silas F. Cropp, was also a native of the Old Dominion, where he followed the occupation of farming. He married Maria Katherine Martin, born in thesame state, and both have passed away. They had a family of four children, of whom two have departed this life.Dr. Cropp pursued his early education in a little log cabin school in the state of Washington, which at one time was headquarters of the army that went to rescue General Steptoe on Steptoe Butte. The family had come to Washington in 1872. They made their way westward to American Falls, Idaho, driving a team of oxen across the country. They then proceeded by stage to Portland and on to Albany and from that point walked to Walla Walla across the Cascade mountains. From this city they proceeded to a point near the Farmington country and there plowed the ground upon which Farmington is built. From that point they proceeded to Dry creek, near Walla Walla, and Dr. Cropp of this review secured employment in the hay fields, working for Sergeant Smith during the summer. He obtained a dugout near there and gathered a few common school books, and in company with E. H. Nixon, now of Walla Walla, prepared himself as best he could for educational work, after the hours of harvesting were over. He at length secured a school, of which Sergeant Smith was a director, and taught through the winter months. This was a large school and he proved capable in its management and conduct. Later he taught in various other schools through the valley, being thus engaged until 1876, when he walked the greater part of the distance to Portland and there secured passage on the old steamer Ajax, on which he worked his way to San Francisco. This step was actuated by his laudable ambition to prepare for the practice of medicine, which he had determined to make his life work. He there entered the medical department of the University of California, which at that time was only a summer school. At the close of the session, in company with Charles E. Levitt Sajous, now a famous medical practitioner and author of Philadelphia, he started for the east. They worked their way on freight trains and walked part of the way until they reached Philadelphia, where they matriculated in the Jefferson Medical College, from which institution they were both graduated in March, 1878. The determination with which he pursued his education, making his way in spite of seemingly almost insurmountable difficulties, is characteristic of Dr. Cropp. He has never faltered in the performance of a task to which he has set himself and throughout his entire life he has ever carried his well defined plans forward to successful completion. Following his graduation he returned to Walla Walla and in the intervening years has continuously and successfully practiced medicine and surgery. During this period he has also served in various official capacities of a professional nature for the city, county and the state. He has been physician and surgeon to the state penitentiary for six years and since the building of the Odd Fellows Home he has been physician to that institution. In 1890 he built the Walla Walla Hospital, which has since been successfully conducted and from which numerous nurses of very high standing have been graduated, doing important duty in their professional capacity through the city, county and surrounding states, many of them occupying most important positions in other hospitals. While many years have elapsed since Dr. Cropp was graduated, he has by broad reading and thorough study kept in touch with the trend of modern scientific thought and investigation and with the progress that is being continuously made by the profession. His ability is pronounced and he stands not only as the dean of themedical profession in Walla Walla but as one of its most distinguished representatives in the northwest.In 1879 Dr. Cropp was united in marriage to Miss Ida Hungate, a daughter of H. H. and Mary (Duncan) Hungate and a native of California. They have become parents of a daughter, Hallie H., who is at home. She is connected with the Daughters of the American Revolution, for the ancestors of Dr. Cropp served in the struggle for independence. Dr. Cropp is thoroughly familiar with the history of pioneer development in the northwest. On the trip across the plains, when the family were making their way to the Pacific coast, they encountered considerable trouble with the Indians. He has seen this entire section of the country reclaimed for the purposes of civilization, while the work of development and improvement has been carried steadily forward. His aid and influence have ever been on the side of progress and improvement and his work has had far reaching and beneficial results. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He belongs to the Commercial Club and cooperates heartily in all of its well defined plans and measures for the welfare and upbuilding of the city. Along strictly professional lines he has connection with the Walla Walla County Medical Society and the Washington State Medical Society. He is interested in their proceedings and contributes in no small measure to the success of some of the meetings, for his judgment is accepted as an authority upon many questions of vital importance to the profession. He has ever held to the highest professional standards and anything that tends to solve the intricate problem which we call life is of interest to him.EDWARD WILSON CLARK.Edward Wilson Clark, one of the leading attorneys of Columbia county, practicing at Dayton, was born in Morrow county, near Heppner, Oregon, on the 15th of November, 1865, his parents being Oscar F. and Mary A. (Allen) Clark, the former a native of the state of New York and the latter of Ohio. They were married, however, in Oregon, Mr. Clark having crossed the plains as a young man of twenty-one or twenty-two years in 1846. The mother's parents died when she was but a little child and she made the long trip to the west with her brother, Charles Allen, who arrived in Oregon about 1850. She continued to reside with her brother in this section of the country until her marriage. Oscar F. Clark took part in the Cayuse Indian war and in 1848 made his way northward and settled on what is now the city of Walla Walla in Walla Walla county, Washington. The previous year the Whitman massacre occurred. He became familiar with every phase of pioneer life and bravely met all of its hardships and privations. He was married about 1850 and for some years lived in Corvallis, Oregon. He had been engaged in teaching in the east and was identified with educational work for several years after his removal to Oregon. In later years he was elected county superintendent of schools of Benton county, Oregon, and he was also appointed the first probate judge of that county. In 1866 he became a member of the board of county commissioners of Umatilla county, Oregon, and he was one of those who were most earnest and effective in securing the establishment of the county seat at Pendleton. Indeed he was recognized as a very prominent and influential citizen of Oregon, where he remained until 1877, when he removed to Columbia county, Washington. Taking up his abode in Dayton, he was soon thereafter elected justice of the peace and served in that office for many years. His decisions were strictly fair and impartial, being based upon the law and the equity in the case, and that he enjoyed the full confidence of the public is indicated by his long retention on the justice bench. Death called him in 1898 and his widow, surviving for about a decade, passed away in 1908.EDWARD W. CLARKEdward W. Clark was reared under the parental roof and completed his education in the Dayton high school. In 1886 he took up the study of law, reading under the preceptorship of Judge M. M. Godman, of Dayton, and in 1888 he was admitted to the bar, after which he opened a law office in Dayton, his ability placing him, through the intervening years, in the front ranks of the profession. He served for ten years as prosecuting attorney of Columbia county and for five years was city attorney of Dayton. He was also for one year city clerk and at the present writing is a member of the board of education, in which position he has continuously served since 1893. The public school system indeed finds in him a stalwart champion and one whose efforts in its behalf have been characterized by marked progress.On the 28th of February, 1892, Mr. Clark was united in marriage to Miss Nellie B. Gritman, of Dayton, a daughter of Delos W. and Mary (Davis) Gritman. Her father, who was one of the successful agriculturists and prominent citizens of Columbia county, served for a number of years as a member of the board of county commissioners and was widely recognized as a man of sterling character and genuine worth. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have a son, Roscoe L., who was graduated from Whitman College with the class of 1915 and is now a student in the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia.Fraternally Mr. Clark is connected with Dayton Camp, No. 95, W. O. W.; with Dayton Circle, No. 238, Women of Woodcraft; and with Dayton Lodge, No. 3, K. P. He ranks with the leading and representative residents of Dayton because of his loyalty in citizenship, because of his genuine personal worth and also by reason of his professional ability. He is a man of well balanced intellect, thoroughly familiar with the law, possessed also of comprehensive general information and of an analytical mind. He is recognized as a formidable adversary in legal combat but one who at all times holds to the highest standards of the profession, his record reflecting credit upon the history of the bench and bar of Washington.BERT THOMAS, M. D.Dr. Bert Thomas, occupying a leading position among the most capable and successful medical practitioners of Walla Walla, is well qualified in all those particulars which make for advancement in his chosen profession. His liberal preparatory training well qualified him at the outset of his professional career and in the intervening period he has studied closely and read broadly, thus keepingin touch with the trend of modern professional progress. He was born in Walla Walla county, March 4, 1874. His father, Alfred Thomas, a native of Kentucky, was born in 1828 and in the spring of 1870 made his way to the northwest, becoming identified with agricultural interests in this county. Here he spent his remaining days, covering a period of more than a quarter of a century, his death occurring in 1896. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Eleanor Lewis, was born in Iowa and has also passed away.Dr. Thomas of this review was one of a family of twelve children, six of whom are yet living and all are residents of Walla Walla county. He acquired a common school education and afterward entered the Whitman College, from which in due time he was graduated. He next became a student in the University of Michigan, matriculating in the medical department, from which he was graduated with the class of 1904. He then put his theoretical knowledge to the practical test in a year's service in a hospital in Jackson, Michigan, and gained the broad and valuable knowledge and experience which can never be as quickly acquired in any other way as in hospital work. On the expiration of that period he returned to Walla Walla, where he has since practiced medicine and surgery, and throughout the intervening years he has maintained a place in the front ranks of the profession. He is very careful in the diagnosis of his cases and seldom, if ever, at fault in matters of professional judgment. He belongs to the Walla Walla Valley Medical Society, the Washington State Medical Association and the American Medical Association and thus keeps abreast with modern thought, investigation and research.Dr. Thomas married Miss Orville Green, who was born in Walla Walla, a daughter of W. O. and Mary F. (Young) Green, who were pioneers of this county, having crossed the plains in 1852. Dr. Thomas belongs to the Masonic fraternity and is a faithful exemplar of the teachings of the craft. His entire life measures up to high standards and those whom he has met in social relations entertain for him the warmest friendship and regard, for his salient qualities are those which make for personal popularity.PATRICK O'CONNOR.Patrick O'Connor, deceased, was an enterprising and successful farmer and stock raiser of Columbia county and his name deserves a place upon the pages of its history. He was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, March 16, 1850, and was reared in the land of his birth. On reaching the age of sixteen, however, he determined to try his fortune in the new world, for he had heard favorable reports concerning its opportunities and advantages. On reaching American shores he at once crossed the continent to the Pacific coast and located in San Francisco, California, where he remained for nine years. He was there employed in a boiler factory and at street car work. After spending over five years in that city he came northward to Walla Walla in 1880 with the intention of returning to San Francisco but found Walla Walla to his liking and took up his abode there. He was made section foreman for the Union Pacific Railway and for a considerable period was active in that connection. In subsequent years he made several removals, living for a short time in Dayton and a short time on the present home ranch near Starbuck. In 1896 he took up his abode on his Columbia county farm, first purchasing forty-six acres of land. To this, however, he added from time to time as his financial resources permitted until at his death he was the owner of an excellent tract of land of two hundred and sixty-seven acres, upon which he engaged extensively in stock raising and in the growing of alfalfa. In business affairs he was energetic and determined. He allowed no obstacles nor difficulties to bar his path if they could be overcome by persistent and earnest effort. He worked diligently and as the years passed on gained a place among the substantial farmers of his adopted county, his attention being given to general agricultural pursuits and stock raising until his death, which occurred May 7, 1910.

MRS. PHILIP YENNEYPHILIP YENNEYIn early manhood Philip Yenney was united in marriage to Miss Rachael Winnett, a native of Pennsylvania, and they became the parents of the following children. John Fred, born in Iowa, June 5, 1858, came with his parents to Washington in 1860 and was educated in Walla Walla. During his active business life he followed farming in Columbia county, but died at San Diego, California, where he had gone with the hope of benefiting his health. He was three times married and left a family of seven children. His third wife now makes her home in East Walla Walla. Sarah M., the second of the family, married James McKee, of Walla Walla, and they made their home at Pomeroy. She died, leaving a husband and six children. Robert C. was born, reared and educated in Walla Walla. He was graduated in 1889 from Whitman College. Subsequently he entered the University of Pennsylvania, where he pursued a medical course and was graduated with the degree of M. D. After spending one year in hospital work he located in Portland, where he has since engaged in practice. He is now at the head of a hospital unit ready for service when the government calls. William H. and Lewis O. are represented on another page of this volume. Margaret, the youngest child, married Ernest E. Brown, of Spokane, where she now resides. Two children, Thomas J. and Anna R., died while young.Mr. Yenney was a consistent member of the Lutheran church and died in that faith on the 28th of June, 1905. His life was at all times honorable and upright and commended him to the confidence and goodwill of those with whom he came in contact. His widow still survives him and now occupies the old family home at No. 834 East Alder street in Walla Walla. She, too, is a consistent Christian and has membership in the Methodist Episcopal church.WILLIAM H. YENNEY.The great wheat fields of Walla Walla county and the surrounding sections of this state and of northern Oregon are always a matter of marvel to the traveler, who thinks of the west as a region of mines and of forests and little realizes what wonderful strides have been made along agricultural lines. Prominent in connection with farming interests in Walla Walla county is William H. Yenney, who superintends his operations from his city home.He was born in this county October 17, 1869, and is a son of Philip and Rachael (Winnett) Yenney. He spent his early youth on the old home farmand was educated in the district schools and in Whitman College, which he attended for two years. After reaching adult age he continued to remain on the old homestead and cooperated with his father in the latter's extensive farming and horse raising enterprises. Since his father's death he and his brother Lewis have operated the farm in partnership and are classed among the most successful agriculturists of Walla Walla county. There is no phase of progressive farming with which they are not familiar and their thoroughly up-to-date methods produce splendid results. They have broad wheat fields and also produce other crops, while at the same time they are extensively and successfully engaged in stock raising. In the spring of 1917 W. H. Yenney removed to Walla Walla, where he now lives in a handsome new residence at No. 20 Merriam street.At Dayton, Washington, Mr. Yenney was united in marriage to Miss Cora Edgell, a daughter of William and Sarah (Kuykendall) Edgell, of Illinois. To Mr. and Mrs. Yenney have been born four children, namely: Frank, who is now on the home ranch; Philip, now attending high school; and Clark and Richard, also in school. Philip Yenney is president of the champion football team of the northwest, which is the Walla Walla high school team. It has defeated all competitors in the northwest and also the Salt Lake City team.Mr. and Mrs. Yenney are active workers on committees for the successful prosecution of the war, being prominently connected with the work of the Red Cross, the Young Women's Christian Association and the Young Men's Christian Association. Mrs. Yenney is a Member of the Methodist Episcopal church and, like her husband, enjoys the warm regard and friendship of all with whom she has been associated. Her home is noted for its warm-hearted hospitality and is the center of a cultured society circle. Fraternally Mr. Yenney is connected with Washington Lodge, No. 19, I. O. O. F., and he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. He is regarded as one of the foremost business men of Walla Walla county and there is no phase of modern day enterprise having to do with farming operations with which he is not familiar.LEWIS O. YENNEY.Lewis O. Yenney, a representative farmer of Walla Walla county, is residing at No. 834 East Alder street in the city of Walla Walla. He has spent his entire life in this county, where his birth occurred on the 8th of May, 1872. He represents one of its old and prominent pioneer families, his parents being Philip J. and Rachael (Winnett) Yenney, who are mentioned elsewhere in this volume.His youthful experiences were those of the farmbred boy. He spent his early life under the parental roof and was early trained to the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. His education was acquired in the district schools, supplemented by study in Whitman College, and on reaching manhood he became the active assistant of his father and brother in the management of extensive farming interests. For some years prior to the father's death the brothers had entire charge of the important agricultural business which he had built up. He gave to them each an interest in the farm and since his death they have continued its cultivation and improvement. It is equipped with all of the latest accessories and conveniences known to the model farm of the twentieth century. There are large and commodious buildings for the shelter of grain and stock and the latest improved machinery promotes the work of the fields.WILLIAM H. YENNEYMRS. WILLIAM H. YENNEYMr. Yenney resides with his mother and is looking after her interest, comfort and welfare in her old age, for she has now reached the age of eighty-five, having been born on the 22d of November, 1832. She is remarkably well preserved for one of her years and keeps in touch with interests and events of modern days. The fact that many of Mr. Yenney's warmest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood is an indication that his life has been an active, useful and honorable one. For forty-five years he has lived in this county and has witnessed much of its growth and development. He has seen its lands reclaimed and cultivated, its forests cut and its other natural resources utilized. As the years have passed on he has borne his share in the work of general improvement and progress, while at the same time he has conducted his private business interests in a way that has brought very substantial results, and today Walla Walla county numbers him among her leading agriculturists.FRED GREENVILLE.Fred Greenville, of Walla Walla, who is engaged in farming, was born in Minnesota on the 16th of July, 1860, a son of Peter and Jean (Mitchell) Greenville. The father followed the occupation of farming in Rice county, Minnesota, where he spent his entire life. Fred Greenville acquired a limited education in the common schools, but during much of the time when he should have attended school, his services were required upon the farm and his training was that of the fields rather than of the schoolroom. On reaching his twentieth year he came to Washington in 1881, settling in Walla Walla county, where he began work as a farm hand. He continued to work for wages for a number of years but in 1881 took up a homestead on the Eureka Flats, which he operated with hired help for several years. Subsequently he rented land and began farming for himself, and as his financial resources have increased, he has added to his holdings from time to time until his farming possessions now aggregate eleven hundred and twenty acres of valuable wheat land in Walla Walla county. In fact he is one of the leading wheat growers of this section of the state and cultivates fifteen hundred acres, renting three quarter sections of his land. He also leases a section and a half of land belonging to others and a quarter section on Dry creek, together with a half section in Franklin county. His life history proves conclusively that activity doesn't tire, that it gives resisting power and develops further strength. He has learned how best to conserve time and effort and to make each blow tell in the accomplishment of his purpose. His business affairs are most carefully systematized and the work of the farm is done in the same methodical manner as that of a commercial enterprise.In 1890 Mr. Greenville was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Timm, of Paha, Adams county, Washington, by whom he has five children, as follows: Ollie, the wife of Adolphus Myers, who is employed by her father; and Ettie, Lloyd, Lola and Howard, all at home.Mr. Greenville gives his political allegiance to the republican party and was elected to the board of county commissioners of Walla Walla county in 1908, serving in that capacity for one term. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Trinity Lodge, No. 121, and also to the encampment and the canton. He is also a member of the Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287, B. P. O. E., of Walla Walla Aerie, No. 26, F. O. E., and of the Woodmen of the World. Notwithstanding his lack of early advantages and educational opportunities, Mr. Greenville has made steady progress in his business career and his ambition and energy, which are among his most marked characteristics, constitute an example well worthy of emulation.H. A. REYNOLDS.H. A. Reynolds is largely concentrating his time and efforts upon general agricultural pursuits, being located on the Ransom Clark donation claim adjoining Walla Walla. He has, however, other important business connections and is well known as a progressive and representative citizen of his section of the state. He was born on the farm where he now resides, October 14, 1863, his parents being Almos H. and Lettice (Millican) Reynolds. He was reared upon the home farm and acquired his education in the public schools, supplemented by a high school course at Ann Arbor, Michigan. He afterward attended the State University of Michigan, from which he was graduated with the class of 1886, winning the Bachelor of Arts degree. He then took up the study of law under J. B. Allen but failing health caused him to discontinue his preparation for the bar for a time. Later, however, he continued his reading under B. L. Sharpstein and was admitted to the bar. He then practiced law for a brief period but on account of his health gave up professional activity and turned his attention to farming that he might be benefited by the outdoor life. He has since been connected with agricultural pursuits and is now giving his time largely to the further development and improvement of the Ransom Clark donation, which constitutes one of the valuable farming properties in the vicinity of Walla Walla. He has other important business connections, however, and is a stockholder in the Farmers Savings Bank and in the Malcolm McLean Grocery Company. He also is identified with other business interests of Walla Walla, where he likewise has made judicious investments in property. In business affairs he is a man of sound judgment and keen discrimination, readily judging between the essential and the non-essential, and his efforts have been most intelligently directed and his investments most judiciously made.In 1891 Mr. Reynolds was united in marriage to Miss Bertha C. Truesdell, of Minnesota, who was a teacher in the Whitman College. To this marriage have been born five children: Carrie, who is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College of South Hadley, Massachusetts; Charlotte, who was graduated from Whitman College with the class of 1917; Margaret, who is in her junior year at Whitman College; Harry Jay; and Allen Lynn.Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds are members of the Congregational church and take an active interest in its work and in many projects which are developed for thepublic good. In his political views Mr. Reynolds is a stalwart republican, and while never an aspirant for office, he has been a prominent factor in the affairs of his party for years past. He was elected to the board of county commissioners as an advocate of the project of building a new courthouse and was elected on that issue. He was also a member of the board that had in charge the construction of the new courthouse and at all times his aid and influence have been given to those projects which are looking to the present welfare and the future advancement of city and county. Those who know him esteem him as a man of genuine worth. His liberal education, his public spirit, his recognition of the duties and obligations of citizenship make him one of the valued and representative men of Walla Walla county and his social qualities make for personal popularity.GEORGE C. ALEXANDER.Thirty-six years have been added to the cycle of the centuries since George C. Alexander became a resident of Walla Walla county. For many years he was actively engaged in general farming and still makes his home on section 12, township 6 north, range 35 east, but is now living retired, having in former years acquired a handsome competence that enables him to rest from further labor. He was born in La Fayette, Indiana, on the 18th of March, 1861, a son of Emanuel and Antha (Stretch) Alexander, the former a native of Ohio, while the latter was born in Indiana. The father was a farmer by occupation and spent the last four years of his life in the home of his son, George C., passing away in 1905.George C. Alexander was reared under the parental roof and acquired a public school education. At the age of twelve years, however, he became a wage earner and has since been dependent upon his own resources for whatever he has achieved and enjoyed. He worked as a farm hand for neighboring farmers up to the time of his marriage, which was celebrated on the 28th of May, 1893, Miss Lillie C. Davis becoming his wife. During her girlhood days she accompanied her parents, William J. and Lucy E. (Hecker) Davis, to Walla Walla county, the removal being made from Iowa in 1885.George C. Alexander had arrived in Walla Walla county in 1881 and after taking up his abode here worked as a farm hand until the time of his marriage, when he began farming on his own account, renting land. In 1905 he purchased his first land, becoming owner of his present home place of two hundred and twenty acres. He had enough money to make a half payment on the place and within five years he had cleared it of all indebtedness. In subsequent years he has put improvements upon it to the value of more than twenty-five hundred dollars. He has also bought eighty acres of irrigated land in Montana. Taking up his abode upon the home farm, he concentrated his efforts and attention upon its further development and improvement and in the course of years his labors worked a marked transformation in the appearance of the place, which he brought under a high state of cultivation. He still resides upon his home farm but is now living retired and rents his land, while he is enjoying the fruits of his former labor. In politics he maintains an independent course nor has he ever sought the honors and emoluments of public office. He ranks with the leading and representativemen of his township and deserves much credit for what he has accomplished. He has truly won the proud American title of a self-made man, for he started out empty-handed when a youth of but twelve years and has worked his way steadily upward by diligence and determination. Whatever he has gained has been the reward of his earnest labor and his record indicates what may be accomplished in a busy life where there is a will to dare and to do. His course should serve to inspire and encourage others, showing what may be done through persistent, earnest effort when guided by sound judgment.D. B. STIMMEL.Through struggles and adversities D. B. Stimmel has reached a position among the prosperous residents of Walla Walla county and is now living retired in Waitsburg. For many years he was actively connected with agricultural interests, and diligence and determination brought to him the measure of success that now enables him to rest from further labors. He was born in Columbus, Ohio, January 1, 1856, his parents being Benjamin and Charlotte (Smith) Stimmel, who were also natives of the Buckeye state, where they were reared and married. In 1861 they removed westward to Tazewell county, Illinois, and in 1879 became residents of Reno county, Kansas. There the father died in the '90s, but the mother is still living and now makes her home with a son in Oklahoma.D. B. Stimmel was the eldest in a family of ten children, nine sons and one daughter. The duty and the burden of assisting in rearing the family and providing for their support fell upon his shoulders and as a consequence his education was limited. He could attend school only at such times as his services were not required upon the farm. He remained at home until he reached his twenty-fourth year, when in 1880 he filed on a homestead in Reno county, Kansas, and began farming on his own account. There he resided for nine years, when he determined to try his fortune in the northwest, having heard favorable reports concerning this section of the country. In the spring of 1889, therefore, he made his way to Walla Walla county, Washington, arriving in Waitsburg about the middle of May with a wife and six children and a cash capital of but fifteen dollars. Here he began working for wages, being thus employed through the harvest season, and in the fall of that year he rented a farm and began its cultivation. He was not familiar, however, with the farming conditions of this section of the country and the poor crops and the widespread financial panic of 1893 made his first few years a struggle for existence. In the winter of 1895-6 he left the farm which he had rented with an indebtedness of three thousand dollars. The following spring he went up into the Nez Percé country and engaged in hauling posts and doing other work for the Indians, in which circumstances he was reminded of the scriptural passage that "the first shall be last and the last first." He may not have liked this domination of an inferior race, but he was willing to accept any occupation or employment that would yield him an honest living. The following fall he located on a place of one hundred and sixty acres belonging to his brother-in-law and afterward purchased two hundred and forty acres adjoining that farm, assuming a mortgage of twelve hundred dollars and back taxes and interest. He paid one hundred dollars cash upon the property, which according to the terms of agreement would cost him nine dollars and sixty-five cents per acre. A year later it had more than doubled in value and recently would have sold for one hundred dollars per acre. From the time of his purchase of this property Mr. Stimmel's prosperity began. The tide seemed to have turned for him and the years brought him a substantial measure of success as a reward for his labors. At different times he continued adding to his property, acquiring two other quarter sections of land, so that his ranch came to be one of five hundred and sixty acres. A quarter section of this he afterward deeded to his two older sons upon his retirement from active business, but he still retains ownership of four hundred acres, which he rents to his sons. In 1906 he removed to Waitsburg and later erected his present handsome city residence.MR. AND MRS. D. B. STIMMELIn 1879, in Reno county, Kansas, Mr. Stimmel was united in marriage to Miss Hattie E. Kirby, by whom he had ten children, eight of whom are yet living: Minnie, who is the wife of Lorenzo Bly, of Alberta, Canada; Earl and Ernest, twins, who follow farming in Walla Walla county; John T., also an agriculturist of Walla Walla county; William, who operates his father's farm; Viola, who gave her hand in marriage to Ralph Lukenbihl, of Waitsburg; Millie, who makes her home with her sister Minnie in Alberta, Canada; and Albert, also a resident of Alberta, Canada. The wife and mother passed away in December, 1908, and in 1909 Mr. Stimmel was again married, this union being with Mrs. Mary J. Lynch née Lewis, of Ontario, Canada.Mr. Stimmel gives his political allegiance to the republican party. Fraternally he is connected with Waitsburg Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M.; Waitsburg Lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F.; and with the Woodmen of the World. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church and are people of genuine personal worth, enjoying the warm regard and goodwill of all with whom they have been brought in contact. Difficulties and obstacles have at times beset the path of Mr. Stimmel but with persistency of purpose he has continued his labors and as the years have gone on has earned a most satisfactory reward. When determination, perseverance and talent are arrayed against drawbacks, poverty and trials, the result is almost absolutely certain. The former are invincible—they know no defeat. The habits of industry and close application which he early developed have constituted the foundation of his present success.MRS. MARY A. KIMMERLY.For almost half a century Mrs. Mary A. Kimmerly has been a resident of Walla Walla and has therefore witnessed almost the entire development of this region. She was born in Portage, Genesee county, New York, and bore the maiden name of Miss Mary A. Nesdel. In early life she went to Minnesota, where she married Frank Kimmerly, also a native of New York, his birth having occurred in Watertown. By trade he was a millwright and erected the first flour mill in Rochester, Minnesota, which was one of the first mills built in thestate. In 1869 he brought his family to Washington and here readily found work at his trade, erecting a mill at Lapwai, another at Weston and several others. He also branched out into general contracting and built many of the best residences in Walla Walla during the '70s. He erected the Stine House, where now the Dacres Hotel stands, and several other important business structures.Mr. Kimmerly was not only prominent in industrial circles but also took an active part in public affairs, serving as deputy sheriff of Walla Walla county and also as city treasurer. He was a thirty-second degree Mason and was the first master of Rose Croix Lodge of Perfection at Walla Walla. He was generally recognized as one of the most prominent residents of the city and his death, which occurred on the 28th of July, 1878, was considered a great loss to the community. Mrs. Kimmerly still survives her husband and continues to live at the old Kimmerly residence with her two sons, E. S. and W. W., at No. 526 South Second street.HON. CHARLES BESSERER.Hon. Charles Besserer was the builder of the third house in Walla Walla and was prominently identified with the city for many years, especially in connection with newspaper publication. He became recognized as one of the foremost journalists on the Pacific coast and his editorials, original and trenchant, were widely read. He was born near Heidelberg, Germany, October 10, 1838, and at seventeen years of age he enlisted for service in the English army. While still a member of the army he was sent to the state of Washington, at which time Walla Walla was but a log cabin village. When his term of enlistment was over he decided to make the United States his home and he proved his loyalty to his adopted land by valiant service in the Union army during the Civil war. He ever took an active interest in government affairs and did not a little to shape public thought and action in regard to community interests. He early turned his attention to newspaper work. After having honorably served throughout the period of hostilities between the north and the south he returned to Walla Walla, where he erected the third house of the city. A few years later he went to Montana, where he resided for a brief period, but in 1873 he returned to Walla Walla, where he embarked in the grocery business. In 1875, however, he became actively connected with newspaper publication in the purchase of the Spirit of the West, a weekly paper published in Walla Walla, the name of which he changed to the Watchman. In 1885 he established the Milton Eagle and a year later he sold the Watchman. A few years afterward he purchased the Journal and the Watchman, both of Walla Walla, and for several years managed these papers successfully, but again he sold out and paid a visit to his native country. Upon his return to America he purchased the Union, the Journal and the Watchman and combined the three papers into a new publication known as the Morning Union. This he continued to own and edit until 1898, when he removed to Oakland, California. He was quite successful financially and it was his love of editorial work that caused him to continue his labors on the San Francisco and other papers subsequent to the establishment of his home in California. He was widely known because of his interesting and comprehensive editorials, which were eagerly read throughout the west. His paper was ever maintained as an independent sheet in regard to politics. He also wrote many articles of a worldwide scope for Harper's Weekly.CHARLES BESSERERHon. Charles Besserer was united in marriage to Miss Ida Sanderson, who still survives him, his death having occurred on the 2d of February, 1912, being occasioned by heart trouble. The part which he took in the early development and subsequent progress of Walla Walla well entitles him to representation in its history.LIEUTENANT BERNARD OVIATT WILLS.Among the native sons of Walla Walla who are rendering excellent service in the armed forces of the nation is Lieutenant Bernard Oviatt Wills, U. S. N., who is now assigned to special duty in New York city. He was born in Walla Walla, August 22, 1887, and is a son of W. H. and Clara (Oviatt) Wills, an account of whom appears in the sketch of their son, Fred Gaylord Wills.Bernard O. Wills attended the public schools of Walla Walla and continued his study in the high school, graduating with the class of 1905. The following year he entered the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis and in 1910 completed the required course there and received the title of ensign. He has remained continuously in the navy and has won promotion, so that although he is still a young man he now has the rank of senior lieutenant. He is now serving by assignment on the special board of patrol, with office at No. 11 Broadway, New York city, and his highly efficient work in that connection is of importance in the great task that confronts the navy in placing the defenses and the naval forces of the United States on a war footing. He is a representative young naval officer, proud of the history and traditions of the navy, thoroughly equipped by highly specialized training for the work in hand, high-spirited and yet recognizing that the high order of ability and daring found in the personnel of the navy can only be made available to the nation's service by discipline.On the 3d of July, 1917, Lieutenant Wills was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Lee Hanscom. Although he has been stationed in the east for some time, his many friends in Walla Walla have not lost sight of him and have followed his career with great interest and pride.MISS MARY J. THOMAS.In the educational circles of Walla Walla Miss Mary J. Thomas is widely and favorably known. She has done much to further the interests of the public schools and is now the principal of the Sharpstein school. She is a native daughter of Walla Walla and the spirit of western enterprise has found expression in her work. Her father, George Franklin Thomas, was born in Norfolk, Virginia, in the year 1815 and when very young left home, going to the state ofNew York. In 1840 he removed from the Empire state to the south and for many years engaged in staging in Georgia and in Alabama. In 1850 he became one of the Argonauts who sought gold on the western front, making his way to California. After reaching that state he resumed his staging business, which he successfully conducted, and he may well be termed the pioneer stage man of the Pacific coast. He became the president of the Oregon & California Stage Company, which conducted a fine line of stages from Sacramento to Portland. After the war between the north and the south he removed to Salem, Oregon, and on the discovery of gold in the Salmon River mountains he placed a line of stages on the road between The Dalles and Celilo. When the Oregon Steam & Navigation Company built a railroad there he moved onward and started a stage line between Wallula and Walla Walla. In 1863 he built the Thomas & Ruckle Road across the Blue mountains and was identified for many years with the principal mail route in this section of the country. In 1865 he was elected mayor of the city and for many years in rotation was elected councilman. In 1874 he was the candidate on the democratic ticket for the office of sheriff of the county and was elected over three competitors. At the next election in 1876 he was reelected and from 1878 until the time of his death was associated with this office. He passed away January 12, 1884, survived by a wife and six children, two sons and four daughters, but since then the mother and two sons have passed away. The daughters are Mrs. Thomas Durry, Mrs. Thomas Page and Miss Mary J. Thomas, of Walla Walla; and Mrs. George M. Cosgrove, of Spokane, Washington. The mother, who bore the maiden name of Bridget Rodgers, was born in Ireland, June 24, 1832, and came to America in 1844, first settling in New Orleans and later removing to California. Her death occurred in Walla Walla, November 26, 1905.Miss Mary J. Thomas, reared in Walla Walla, was educated in St. Vincent's Academy and became a grade teacher in the Baker school of Walla Walla. She has since devoted her life to that profession and became principal of the Baker school, while later she was transferred to the Sharpstein school, of which she is now the principal. She holds to high ideals in her work, is constantly studying out new methods to improve her efficiency and her own zeal and interest in the work have inspired and encouraged both teachers and pupils under her.JAMES F. CROPP, M. D.For almost forty years Dr. James F. Cropp has successfully engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Walla Walla, where he was also the promoter and founder of the Walla Walla Hospital, an institution of which the city has every reason to be proud. He has ever occupied a prominent position in professional circles and has been instrumental in maintaining the highest standards of activity in his chosen field, recognizing fully the duties and obligations which devolve upon the physician. He was born in Virginia, April 16, 1854. His father, Silas F. Cropp, was also a native of the Old Dominion, where he followed the occupation of farming. He married Maria Katherine Martin, born in thesame state, and both have passed away. They had a family of four children, of whom two have departed this life.Dr. Cropp pursued his early education in a little log cabin school in the state of Washington, which at one time was headquarters of the army that went to rescue General Steptoe on Steptoe Butte. The family had come to Washington in 1872. They made their way westward to American Falls, Idaho, driving a team of oxen across the country. They then proceeded by stage to Portland and on to Albany and from that point walked to Walla Walla across the Cascade mountains. From this city they proceeded to a point near the Farmington country and there plowed the ground upon which Farmington is built. From that point they proceeded to Dry creek, near Walla Walla, and Dr. Cropp of this review secured employment in the hay fields, working for Sergeant Smith during the summer. He obtained a dugout near there and gathered a few common school books, and in company with E. H. Nixon, now of Walla Walla, prepared himself as best he could for educational work, after the hours of harvesting were over. He at length secured a school, of which Sergeant Smith was a director, and taught through the winter months. This was a large school and he proved capable in its management and conduct. Later he taught in various other schools through the valley, being thus engaged until 1876, when he walked the greater part of the distance to Portland and there secured passage on the old steamer Ajax, on which he worked his way to San Francisco. This step was actuated by his laudable ambition to prepare for the practice of medicine, which he had determined to make his life work. He there entered the medical department of the University of California, which at that time was only a summer school. At the close of the session, in company with Charles E. Levitt Sajous, now a famous medical practitioner and author of Philadelphia, he started for the east. They worked their way on freight trains and walked part of the way until they reached Philadelphia, where they matriculated in the Jefferson Medical College, from which institution they were both graduated in March, 1878. The determination with which he pursued his education, making his way in spite of seemingly almost insurmountable difficulties, is characteristic of Dr. Cropp. He has never faltered in the performance of a task to which he has set himself and throughout his entire life he has ever carried his well defined plans forward to successful completion. Following his graduation he returned to Walla Walla and in the intervening years has continuously and successfully practiced medicine and surgery. During this period he has also served in various official capacities of a professional nature for the city, county and the state. He has been physician and surgeon to the state penitentiary for six years and since the building of the Odd Fellows Home he has been physician to that institution. In 1890 he built the Walla Walla Hospital, which has since been successfully conducted and from which numerous nurses of very high standing have been graduated, doing important duty in their professional capacity through the city, county and surrounding states, many of them occupying most important positions in other hospitals. While many years have elapsed since Dr. Cropp was graduated, he has by broad reading and thorough study kept in touch with the trend of modern scientific thought and investigation and with the progress that is being continuously made by the profession. His ability is pronounced and he stands not only as the dean of themedical profession in Walla Walla but as one of its most distinguished representatives in the northwest.In 1879 Dr. Cropp was united in marriage to Miss Ida Hungate, a daughter of H. H. and Mary (Duncan) Hungate and a native of California. They have become parents of a daughter, Hallie H., who is at home. She is connected with the Daughters of the American Revolution, for the ancestors of Dr. Cropp served in the struggle for independence. Dr. Cropp is thoroughly familiar with the history of pioneer development in the northwest. On the trip across the plains, when the family were making their way to the Pacific coast, they encountered considerable trouble with the Indians. He has seen this entire section of the country reclaimed for the purposes of civilization, while the work of development and improvement has been carried steadily forward. His aid and influence have ever been on the side of progress and improvement and his work has had far reaching and beneficial results. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He belongs to the Commercial Club and cooperates heartily in all of its well defined plans and measures for the welfare and upbuilding of the city. Along strictly professional lines he has connection with the Walla Walla County Medical Society and the Washington State Medical Society. He is interested in their proceedings and contributes in no small measure to the success of some of the meetings, for his judgment is accepted as an authority upon many questions of vital importance to the profession. He has ever held to the highest professional standards and anything that tends to solve the intricate problem which we call life is of interest to him.EDWARD WILSON CLARK.Edward Wilson Clark, one of the leading attorneys of Columbia county, practicing at Dayton, was born in Morrow county, near Heppner, Oregon, on the 15th of November, 1865, his parents being Oscar F. and Mary A. (Allen) Clark, the former a native of the state of New York and the latter of Ohio. They were married, however, in Oregon, Mr. Clark having crossed the plains as a young man of twenty-one or twenty-two years in 1846. The mother's parents died when she was but a little child and she made the long trip to the west with her brother, Charles Allen, who arrived in Oregon about 1850. She continued to reside with her brother in this section of the country until her marriage. Oscar F. Clark took part in the Cayuse Indian war and in 1848 made his way northward and settled on what is now the city of Walla Walla in Walla Walla county, Washington. The previous year the Whitman massacre occurred. He became familiar with every phase of pioneer life and bravely met all of its hardships and privations. He was married about 1850 and for some years lived in Corvallis, Oregon. He had been engaged in teaching in the east and was identified with educational work for several years after his removal to Oregon. In later years he was elected county superintendent of schools of Benton county, Oregon, and he was also appointed the first probate judge of that county. In 1866 he became a member of the board of county commissioners of Umatilla county, Oregon, and he was one of those who were most earnest and effective in securing the establishment of the county seat at Pendleton. Indeed he was recognized as a very prominent and influential citizen of Oregon, where he remained until 1877, when he removed to Columbia county, Washington. Taking up his abode in Dayton, he was soon thereafter elected justice of the peace and served in that office for many years. His decisions were strictly fair and impartial, being based upon the law and the equity in the case, and that he enjoyed the full confidence of the public is indicated by his long retention on the justice bench. Death called him in 1898 and his widow, surviving for about a decade, passed away in 1908.EDWARD W. CLARKEdward W. Clark was reared under the parental roof and completed his education in the Dayton high school. In 1886 he took up the study of law, reading under the preceptorship of Judge M. M. Godman, of Dayton, and in 1888 he was admitted to the bar, after which he opened a law office in Dayton, his ability placing him, through the intervening years, in the front ranks of the profession. He served for ten years as prosecuting attorney of Columbia county and for five years was city attorney of Dayton. He was also for one year city clerk and at the present writing is a member of the board of education, in which position he has continuously served since 1893. The public school system indeed finds in him a stalwart champion and one whose efforts in its behalf have been characterized by marked progress.On the 28th of February, 1892, Mr. Clark was united in marriage to Miss Nellie B. Gritman, of Dayton, a daughter of Delos W. and Mary (Davis) Gritman. Her father, who was one of the successful agriculturists and prominent citizens of Columbia county, served for a number of years as a member of the board of county commissioners and was widely recognized as a man of sterling character and genuine worth. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have a son, Roscoe L., who was graduated from Whitman College with the class of 1915 and is now a student in the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia.Fraternally Mr. Clark is connected with Dayton Camp, No. 95, W. O. W.; with Dayton Circle, No. 238, Women of Woodcraft; and with Dayton Lodge, No. 3, K. P. He ranks with the leading and representative residents of Dayton because of his loyalty in citizenship, because of his genuine personal worth and also by reason of his professional ability. He is a man of well balanced intellect, thoroughly familiar with the law, possessed also of comprehensive general information and of an analytical mind. He is recognized as a formidable adversary in legal combat but one who at all times holds to the highest standards of the profession, his record reflecting credit upon the history of the bench and bar of Washington.BERT THOMAS, M. D.Dr. Bert Thomas, occupying a leading position among the most capable and successful medical practitioners of Walla Walla, is well qualified in all those particulars which make for advancement in his chosen profession. His liberal preparatory training well qualified him at the outset of his professional career and in the intervening period he has studied closely and read broadly, thus keepingin touch with the trend of modern professional progress. He was born in Walla Walla county, March 4, 1874. His father, Alfred Thomas, a native of Kentucky, was born in 1828 and in the spring of 1870 made his way to the northwest, becoming identified with agricultural interests in this county. Here he spent his remaining days, covering a period of more than a quarter of a century, his death occurring in 1896. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Eleanor Lewis, was born in Iowa and has also passed away.Dr. Thomas of this review was one of a family of twelve children, six of whom are yet living and all are residents of Walla Walla county. He acquired a common school education and afterward entered the Whitman College, from which in due time he was graduated. He next became a student in the University of Michigan, matriculating in the medical department, from which he was graduated with the class of 1904. He then put his theoretical knowledge to the practical test in a year's service in a hospital in Jackson, Michigan, and gained the broad and valuable knowledge and experience which can never be as quickly acquired in any other way as in hospital work. On the expiration of that period he returned to Walla Walla, where he has since practiced medicine and surgery, and throughout the intervening years he has maintained a place in the front ranks of the profession. He is very careful in the diagnosis of his cases and seldom, if ever, at fault in matters of professional judgment. He belongs to the Walla Walla Valley Medical Society, the Washington State Medical Association and the American Medical Association and thus keeps abreast with modern thought, investigation and research.Dr. Thomas married Miss Orville Green, who was born in Walla Walla, a daughter of W. O. and Mary F. (Young) Green, who were pioneers of this county, having crossed the plains in 1852. Dr. Thomas belongs to the Masonic fraternity and is a faithful exemplar of the teachings of the craft. His entire life measures up to high standards and those whom he has met in social relations entertain for him the warmest friendship and regard, for his salient qualities are those which make for personal popularity.PATRICK O'CONNOR.Patrick O'Connor, deceased, was an enterprising and successful farmer and stock raiser of Columbia county and his name deserves a place upon the pages of its history. He was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, March 16, 1850, and was reared in the land of his birth. On reaching the age of sixteen, however, he determined to try his fortune in the new world, for he had heard favorable reports concerning its opportunities and advantages. On reaching American shores he at once crossed the continent to the Pacific coast and located in San Francisco, California, where he remained for nine years. He was there employed in a boiler factory and at street car work. After spending over five years in that city he came northward to Walla Walla in 1880 with the intention of returning to San Francisco but found Walla Walla to his liking and took up his abode there. He was made section foreman for the Union Pacific Railway and for a considerable period was active in that connection. In subsequent years he made several removals, living for a short time in Dayton and a short time on the present home ranch near Starbuck. In 1896 he took up his abode on his Columbia county farm, first purchasing forty-six acres of land. To this, however, he added from time to time as his financial resources permitted until at his death he was the owner of an excellent tract of land of two hundred and sixty-seven acres, upon which he engaged extensively in stock raising and in the growing of alfalfa. In business affairs he was energetic and determined. He allowed no obstacles nor difficulties to bar his path if they could be overcome by persistent and earnest effort. He worked diligently and as the years passed on gained a place among the substantial farmers of his adopted county, his attention being given to general agricultural pursuits and stock raising until his death, which occurred May 7, 1910.

MRS. PHILIP YENNEY

MRS. PHILIP YENNEY

MRS. PHILIP YENNEY

PHILIP YENNEY

PHILIP YENNEY

PHILIP YENNEY

In early manhood Philip Yenney was united in marriage to Miss Rachael Winnett, a native of Pennsylvania, and they became the parents of the following children. John Fred, born in Iowa, June 5, 1858, came with his parents to Washington in 1860 and was educated in Walla Walla. During his active business life he followed farming in Columbia county, but died at San Diego, California, where he had gone with the hope of benefiting his health. He was three times married and left a family of seven children. His third wife now makes her home in East Walla Walla. Sarah M., the second of the family, married James McKee, of Walla Walla, and they made their home at Pomeroy. She died, leaving a husband and six children. Robert C. was born, reared and educated in Walla Walla. He was graduated in 1889 from Whitman College. Subsequently he entered the University of Pennsylvania, where he pursued a medical course and was graduated with the degree of M. D. After spending one year in hospital work he located in Portland, where he has since engaged in practice. He is now at the head of a hospital unit ready for service when the government calls. William H. and Lewis O. are represented on another page of this volume. Margaret, the youngest child, married Ernest E. Brown, of Spokane, where she now resides. Two children, Thomas J. and Anna R., died while young.

Mr. Yenney was a consistent member of the Lutheran church and died in that faith on the 28th of June, 1905. His life was at all times honorable and upright and commended him to the confidence and goodwill of those with whom he came in contact. His widow still survives him and now occupies the old family home at No. 834 East Alder street in Walla Walla. She, too, is a consistent Christian and has membership in the Methodist Episcopal church.

WILLIAM H. YENNEY.

The great wheat fields of Walla Walla county and the surrounding sections of this state and of northern Oregon are always a matter of marvel to the traveler, who thinks of the west as a region of mines and of forests and little realizes what wonderful strides have been made along agricultural lines. Prominent in connection with farming interests in Walla Walla county is William H. Yenney, who superintends his operations from his city home.

He was born in this county October 17, 1869, and is a son of Philip and Rachael (Winnett) Yenney. He spent his early youth on the old home farmand was educated in the district schools and in Whitman College, which he attended for two years. After reaching adult age he continued to remain on the old homestead and cooperated with his father in the latter's extensive farming and horse raising enterprises. Since his father's death he and his brother Lewis have operated the farm in partnership and are classed among the most successful agriculturists of Walla Walla county. There is no phase of progressive farming with which they are not familiar and their thoroughly up-to-date methods produce splendid results. They have broad wheat fields and also produce other crops, while at the same time they are extensively and successfully engaged in stock raising. In the spring of 1917 W. H. Yenney removed to Walla Walla, where he now lives in a handsome new residence at No. 20 Merriam street.

At Dayton, Washington, Mr. Yenney was united in marriage to Miss Cora Edgell, a daughter of William and Sarah (Kuykendall) Edgell, of Illinois. To Mr. and Mrs. Yenney have been born four children, namely: Frank, who is now on the home ranch; Philip, now attending high school; and Clark and Richard, also in school. Philip Yenney is president of the champion football team of the northwest, which is the Walla Walla high school team. It has defeated all competitors in the northwest and also the Salt Lake City team.

Mr. and Mrs. Yenney are active workers on committees for the successful prosecution of the war, being prominently connected with the work of the Red Cross, the Young Women's Christian Association and the Young Men's Christian Association. Mrs. Yenney is a Member of the Methodist Episcopal church and, like her husband, enjoys the warm regard and friendship of all with whom she has been associated. Her home is noted for its warm-hearted hospitality and is the center of a cultured society circle. Fraternally Mr. Yenney is connected with Washington Lodge, No. 19, I. O. O. F., and he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. He is regarded as one of the foremost business men of Walla Walla county and there is no phase of modern day enterprise having to do with farming operations with which he is not familiar.

LEWIS O. YENNEY.

Lewis O. Yenney, a representative farmer of Walla Walla county, is residing at No. 834 East Alder street in the city of Walla Walla. He has spent his entire life in this county, where his birth occurred on the 8th of May, 1872. He represents one of its old and prominent pioneer families, his parents being Philip J. and Rachael (Winnett) Yenney, who are mentioned elsewhere in this volume.

His youthful experiences were those of the farmbred boy. He spent his early life under the parental roof and was early trained to the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. His education was acquired in the district schools, supplemented by study in Whitman College, and on reaching manhood he became the active assistant of his father and brother in the management of extensive farming interests. For some years prior to the father's death the brothers had entire charge of the important agricultural business which he had built up. He gave to them each an interest in the farm and since his death they have continued its cultivation and improvement. It is equipped with all of the latest accessories and conveniences known to the model farm of the twentieth century. There are large and commodious buildings for the shelter of grain and stock and the latest improved machinery promotes the work of the fields.

WILLIAM H. YENNEY

WILLIAM H. YENNEY

WILLIAM H. YENNEY

MRS. WILLIAM H. YENNEY

MRS. WILLIAM H. YENNEY

MRS. WILLIAM H. YENNEY

Mr. Yenney resides with his mother and is looking after her interest, comfort and welfare in her old age, for she has now reached the age of eighty-five, having been born on the 22d of November, 1832. She is remarkably well preserved for one of her years and keeps in touch with interests and events of modern days. The fact that many of Mr. Yenney's warmest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood is an indication that his life has been an active, useful and honorable one. For forty-five years he has lived in this county and has witnessed much of its growth and development. He has seen its lands reclaimed and cultivated, its forests cut and its other natural resources utilized. As the years have passed on he has borne his share in the work of general improvement and progress, while at the same time he has conducted his private business interests in a way that has brought very substantial results, and today Walla Walla county numbers him among her leading agriculturists.

FRED GREENVILLE.

Fred Greenville, of Walla Walla, who is engaged in farming, was born in Minnesota on the 16th of July, 1860, a son of Peter and Jean (Mitchell) Greenville. The father followed the occupation of farming in Rice county, Minnesota, where he spent his entire life. Fred Greenville acquired a limited education in the common schools, but during much of the time when he should have attended school, his services were required upon the farm and his training was that of the fields rather than of the schoolroom. On reaching his twentieth year he came to Washington in 1881, settling in Walla Walla county, where he began work as a farm hand. He continued to work for wages for a number of years but in 1881 took up a homestead on the Eureka Flats, which he operated with hired help for several years. Subsequently he rented land and began farming for himself, and as his financial resources have increased, he has added to his holdings from time to time until his farming possessions now aggregate eleven hundred and twenty acres of valuable wheat land in Walla Walla county. In fact he is one of the leading wheat growers of this section of the state and cultivates fifteen hundred acres, renting three quarter sections of his land. He also leases a section and a half of land belonging to others and a quarter section on Dry creek, together with a half section in Franklin county. His life history proves conclusively that activity doesn't tire, that it gives resisting power and develops further strength. He has learned how best to conserve time and effort and to make each blow tell in the accomplishment of his purpose. His business affairs are most carefully systematized and the work of the farm is done in the same methodical manner as that of a commercial enterprise.

In 1890 Mr. Greenville was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Timm, of Paha, Adams county, Washington, by whom he has five children, as follows: Ollie, the wife of Adolphus Myers, who is employed by her father; and Ettie, Lloyd, Lola and Howard, all at home.

Mr. Greenville gives his political allegiance to the republican party and was elected to the board of county commissioners of Walla Walla county in 1908, serving in that capacity for one term. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Trinity Lodge, No. 121, and also to the encampment and the canton. He is also a member of the Walla Walla Lodge, No. 287, B. P. O. E., of Walla Walla Aerie, No. 26, F. O. E., and of the Woodmen of the World. Notwithstanding his lack of early advantages and educational opportunities, Mr. Greenville has made steady progress in his business career and his ambition and energy, which are among his most marked characteristics, constitute an example well worthy of emulation.

H. A. REYNOLDS.

H. A. Reynolds is largely concentrating his time and efforts upon general agricultural pursuits, being located on the Ransom Clark donation claim adjoining Walla Walla. He has, however, other important business connections and is well known as a progressive and representative citizen of his section of the state. He was born on the farm where he now resides, October 14, 1863, his parents being Almos H. and Lettice (Millican) Reynolds. He was reared upon the home farm and acquired his education in the public schools, supplemented by a high school course at Ann Arbor, Michigan. He afterward attended the State University of Michigan, from which he was graduated with the class of 1886, winning the Bachelor of Arts degree. He then took up the study of law under J. B. Allen but failing health caused him to discontinue his preparation for the bar for a time. Later, however, he continued his reading under B. L. Sharpstein and was admitted to the bar. He then practiced law for a brief period but on account of his health gave up professional activity and turned his attention to farming that he might be benefited by the outdoor life. He has since been connected with agricultural pursuits and is now giving his time largely to the further development and improvement of the Ransom Clark donation, which constitutes one of the valuable farming properties in the vicinity of Walla Walla. He has other important business connections, however, and is a stockholder in the Farmers Savings Bank and in the Malcolm McLean Grocery Company. He also is identified with other business interests of Walla Walla, where he likewise has made judicious investments in property. In business affairs he is a man of sound judgment and keen discrimination, readily judging between the essential and the non-essential, and his efforts have been most intelligently directed and his investments most judiciously made.

In 1891 Mr. Reynolds was united in marriage to Miss Bertha C. Truesdell, of Minnesota, who was a teacher in the Whitman College. To this marriage have been born five children: Carrie, who is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College of South Hadley, Massachusetts; Charlotte, who was graduated from Whitman College with the class of 1917; Margaret, who is in her junior year at Whitman College; Harry Jay; and Allen Lynn.

Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds are members of the Congregational church and take an active interest in its work and in many projects which are developed for thepublic good. In his political views Mr. Reynolds is a stalwart republican, and while never an aspirant for office, he has been a prominent factor in the affairs of his party for years past. He was elected to the board of county commissioners as an advocate of the project of building a new courthouse and was elected on that issue. He was also a member of the board that had in charge the construction of the new courthouse and at all times his aid and influence have been given to those projects which are looking to the present welfare and the future advancement of city and county. Those who know him esteem him as a man of genuine worth. His liberal education, his public spirit, his recognition of the duties and obligations of citizenship make him one of the valued and representative men of Walla Walla county and his social qualities make for personal popularity.

GEORGE C. ALEXANDER.

Thirty-six years have been added to the cycle of the centuries since George C. Alexander became a resident of Walla Walla county. For many years he was actively engaged in general farming and still makes his home on section 12, township 6 north, range 35 east, but is now living retired, having in former years acquired a handsome competence that enables him to rest from further labor. He was born in La Fayette, Indiana, on the 18th of March, 1861, a son of Emanuel and Antha (Stretch) Alexander, the former a native of Ohio, while the latter was born in Indiana. The father was a farmer by occupation and spent the last four years of his life in the home of his son, George C., passing away in 1905.

George C. Alexander was reared under the parental roof and acquired a public school education. At the age of twelve years, however, he became a wage earner and has since been dependent upon his own resources for whatever he has achieved and enjoyed. He worked as a farm hand for neighboring farmers up to the time of his marriage, which was celebrated on the 28th of May, 1893, Miss Lillie C. Davis becoming his wife. During her girlhood days she accompanied her parents, William J. and Lucy E. (Hecker) Davis, to Walla Walla county, the removal being made from Iowa in 1885.

George C. Alexander had arrived in Walla Walla county in 1881 and after taking up his abode here worked as a farm hand until the time of his marriage, when he began farming on his own account, renting land. In 1905 he purchased his first land, becoming owner of his present home place of two hundred and twenty acres. He had enough money to make a half payment on the place and within five years he had cleared it of all indebtedness. In subsequent years he has put improvements upon it to the value of more than twenty-five hundred dollars. He has also bought eighty acres of irrigated land in Montana. Taking up his abode upon the home farm, he concentrated his efforts and attention upon its further development and improvement and in the course of years his labors worked a marked transformation in the appearance of the place, which he brought under a high state of cultivation. He still resides upon his home farm but is now living retired and rents his land, while he is enjoying the fruits of his former labor. In politics he maintains an independent course nor has he ever sought the honors and emoluments of public office. He ranks with the leading and representativemen of his township and deserves much credit for what he has accomplished. He has truly won the proud American title of a self-made man, for he started out empty-handed when a youth of but twelve years and has worked his way steadily upward by diligence and determination. Whatever he has gained has been the reward of his earnest labor and his record indicates what may be accomplished in a busy life where there is a will to dare and to do. His course should serve to inspire and encourage others, showing what may be done through persistent, earnest effort when guided by sound judgment.

D. B. STIMMEL.

Through struggles and adversities D. B. Stimmel has reached a position among the prosperous residents of Walla Walla county and is now living retired in Waitsburg. For many years he was actively connected with agricultural interests, and diligence and determination brought to him the measure of success that now enables him to rest from further labors. He was born in Columbus, Ohio, January 1, 1856, his parents being Benjamin and Charlotte (Smith) Stimmel, who were also natives of the Buckeye state, where they were reared and married. In 1861 they removed westward to Tazewell county, Illinois, and in 1879 became residents of Reno county, Kansas. There the father died in the '90s, but the mother is still living and now makes her home with a son in Oklahoma.

D. B. Stimmel was the eldest in a family of ten children, nine sons and one daughter. The duty and the burden of assisting in rearing the family and providing for their support fell upon his shoulders and as a consequence his education was limited. He could attend school only at such times as his services were not required upon the farm. He remained at home until he reached his twenty-fourth year, when in 1880 he filed on a homestead in Reno county, Kansas, and began farming on his own account. There he resided for nine years, when he determined to try his fortune in the northwest, having heard favorable reports concerning this section of the country. In the spring of 1889, therefore, he made his way to Walla Walla county, Washington, arriving in Waitsburg about the middle of May with a wife and six children and a cash capital of but fifteen dollars. Here he began working for wages, being thus employed through the harvest season, and in the fall of that year he rented a farm and began its cultivation. He was not familiar, however, with the farming conditions of this section of the country and the poor crops and the widespread financial panic of 1893 made his first few years a struggle for existence. In the winter of 1895-6 he left the farm which he had rented with an indebtedness of three thousand dollars. The following spring he went up into the Nez Percé country and engaged in hauling posts and doing other work for the Indians, in which circumstances he was reminded of the scriptural passage that "the first shall be last and the last first." He may not have liked this domination of an inferior race, but he was willing to accept any occupation or employment that would yield him an honest living. The following fall he located on a place of one hundred and sixty acres belonging to his brother-in-law and afterward purchased two hundred and forty acres adjoining that farm, assuming a mortgage of twelve hundred dollars and back taxes and interest. He paid one hundred dollars cash upon the property, which according to the terms of agreement would cost him nine dollars and sixty-five cents per acre. A year later it had more than doubled in value and recently would have sold for one hundred dollars per acre. From the time of his purchase of this property Mr. Stimmel's prosperity began. The tide seemed to have turned for him and the years brought him a substantial measure of success as a reward for his labors. At different times he continued adding to his property, acquiring two other quarter sections of land, so that his ranch came to be one of five hundred and sixty acres. A quarter section of this he afterward deeded to his two older sons upon his retirement from active business, but he still retains ownership of four hundred acres, which he rents to his sons. In 1906 he removed to Waitsburg and later erected his present handsome city residence.

MR. AND MRS. D. B. STIMMEL

MR. AND MRS. D. B. STIMMEL

MR. AND MRS. D. B. STIMMEL

In 1879, in Reno county, Kansas, Mr. Stimmel was united in marriage to Miss Hattie E. Kirby, by whom he had ten children, eight of whom are yet living: Minnie, who is the wife of Lorenzo Bly, of Alberta, Canada; Earl and Ernest, twins, who follow farming in Walla Walla county; John T., also an agriculturist of Walla Walla county; William, who operates his father's farm; Viola, who gave her hand in marriage to Ralph Lukenbihl, of Waitsburg; Millie, who makes her home with her sister Minnie in Alberta, Canada; and Albert, also a resident of Alberta, Canada. The wife and mother passed away in December, 1908, and in 1909 Mr. Stimmel was again married, this union being with Mrs. Mary J. Lynch née Lewis, of Ontario, Canada.

Mr. Stimmel gives his political allegiance to the republican party. Fraternally he is connected with Waitsburg Lodge, No. 16, F. & A. M.; Waitsburg Lodge, No. 5, I. O. O. F.; and with the Woodmen of the World. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church and are people of genuine personal worth, enjoying the warm regard and goodwill of all with whom they have been brought in contact. Difficulties and obstacles have at times beset the path of Mr. Stimmel but with persistency of purpose he has continued his labors and as the years have gone on has earned a most satisfactory reward. When determination, perseverance and talent are arrayed against drawbacks, poverty and trials, the result is almost absolutely certain. The former are invincible—they know no defeat. The habits of industry and close application which he early developed have constituted the foundation of his present success.

MRS. MARY A. KIMMERLY.

For almost half a century Mrs. Mary A. Kimmerly has been a resident of Walla Walla and has therefore witnessed almost the entire development of this region. She was born in Portage, Genesee county, New York, and bore the maiden name of Miss Mary A. Nesdel. In early life she went to Minnesota, where she married Frank Kimmerly, also a native of New York, his birth having occurred in Watertown. By trade he was a millwright and erected the first flour mill in Rochester, Minnesota, which was one of the first mills built in thestate. In 1869 he brought his family to Washington and here readily found work at his trade, erecting a mill at Lapwai, another at Weston and several others. He also branched out into general contracting and built many of the best residences in Walla Walla during the '70s. He erected the Stine House, where now the Dacres Hotel stands, and several other important business structures.

Mr. Kimmerly was not only prominent in industrial circles but also took an active part in public affairs, serving as deputy sheriff of Walla Walla county and also as city treasurer. He was a thirty-second degree Mason and was the first master of Rose Croix Lodge of Perfection at Walla Walla. He was generally recognized as one of the most prominent residents of the city and his death, which occurred on the 28th of July, 1878, was considered a great loss to the community. Mrs. Kimmerly still survives her husband and continues to live at the old Kimmerly residence with her two sons, E. S. and W. W., at No. 526 South Second street.

HON. CHARLES BESSERER.

Hon. Charles Besserer was the builder of the third house in Walla Walla and was prominently identified with the city for many years, especially in connection with newspaper publication. He became recognized as one of the foremost journalists on the Pacific coast and his editorials, original and trenchant, were widely read. He was born near Heidelberg, Germany, October 10, 1838, and at seventeen years of age he enlisted for service in the English army. While still a member of the army he was sent to the state of Washington, at which time Walla Walla was but a log cabin village. When his term of enlistment was over he decided to make the United States his home and he proved his loyalty to his adopted land by valiant service in the Union army during the Civil war. He ever took an active interest in government affairs and did not a little to shape public thought and action in regard to community interests. He early turned his attention to newspaper work. After having honorably served throughout the period of hostilities between the north and the south he returned to Walla Walla, where he erected the third house of the city. A few years later he went to Montana, where he resided for a brief period, but in 1873 he returned to Walla Walla, where he embarked in the grocery business. In 1875, however, he became actively connected with newspaper publication in the purchase of the Spirit of the West, a weekly paper published in Walla Walla, the name of which he changed to the Watchman. In 1885 he established the Milton Eagle and a year later he sold the Watchman. A few years afterward he purchased the Journal and the Watchman, both of Walla Walla, and for several years managed these papers successfully, but again he sold out and paid a visit to his native country. Upon his return to America he purchased the Union, the Journal and the Watchman and combined the three papers into a new publication known as the Morning Union. This he continued to own and edit until 1898, when he removed to Oakland, California. He was quite successful financially and it was his love of editorial work that caused him to continue his labors on the San Francisco and other papers subsequent to the establishment of his home in California. He was widely known because of his interesting and comprehensive editorials, which were eagerly read throughout the west. His paper was ever maintained as an independent sheet in regard to politics. He also wrote many articles of a worldwide scope for Harper's Weekly.

CHARLES BESSERER

CHARLES BESSERER

CHARLES BESSERER

Hon. Charles Besserer was united in marriage to Miss Ida Sanderson, who still survives him, his death having occurred on the 2d of February, 1912, being occasioned by heart trouble. The part which he took in the early development and subsequent progress of Walla Walla well entitles him to representation in its history.

LIEUTENANT BERNARD OVIATT WILLS.

Among the native sons of Walla Walla who are rendering excellent service in the armed forces of the nation is Lieutenant Bernard Oviatt Wills, U. S. N., who is now assigned to special duty in New York city. He was born in Walla Walla, August 22, 1887, and is a son of W. H. and Clara (Oviatt) Wills, an account of whom appears in the sketch of their son, Fred Gaylord Wills.

Bernard O. Wills attended the public schools of Walla Walla and continued his study in the high school, graduating with the class of 1905. The following year he entered the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis and in 1910 completed the required course there and received the title of ensign. He has remained continuously in the navy and has won promotion, so that although he is still a young man he now has the rank of senior lieutenant. He is now serving by assignment on the special board of patrol, with office at No. 11 Broadway, New York city, and his highly efficient work in that connection is of importance in the great task that confronts the navy in placing the defenses and the naval forces of the United States on a war footing. He is a representative young naval officer, proud of the history and traditions of the navy, thoroughly equipped by highly specialized training for the work in hand, high-spirited and yet recognizing that the high order of ability and daring found in the personnel of the navy can only be made available to the nation's service by discipline.

On the 3d of July, 1917, Lieutenant Wills was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Lee Hanscom. Although he has been stationed in the east for some time, his many friends in Walla Walla have not lost sight of him and have followed his career with great interest and pride.

MISS MARY J. THOMAS.

In the educational circles of Walla Walla Miss Mary J. Thomas is widely and favorably known. She has done much to further the interests of the public schools and is now the principal of the Sharpstein school. She is a native daughter of Walla Walla and the spirit of western enterprise has found expression in her work. Her father, George Franklin Thomas, was born in Norfolk, Virginia, in the year 1815 and when very young left home, going to the state ofNew York. In 1840 he removed from the Empire state to the south and for many years engaged in staging in Georgia and in Alabama. In 1850 he became one of the Argonauts who sought gold on the western front, making his way to California. After reaching that state he resumed his staging business, which he successfully conducted, and he may well be termed the pioneer stage man of the Pacific coast. He became the president of the Oregon & California Stage Company, which conducted a fine line of stages from Sacramento to Portland. After the war between the north and the south he removed to Salem, Oregon, and on the discovery of gold in the Salmon River mountains he placed a line of stages on the road between The Dalles and Celilo. When the Oregon Steam & Navigation Company built a railroad there he moved onward and started a stage line between Wallula and Walla Walla. In 1863 he built the Thomas & Ruckle Road across the Blue mountains and was identified for many years with the principal mail route in this section of the country. In 1865 he was elected mayor of the city and for many years in rotation was elected councilman. In 1874 he was the candidate on the democratic ticket for the office of sheriff of the county and was elected over three competitors. At the next election in 1876 he was reelected and from 1878 until the time of his death was associated with this office. He passed away January 12, 1884, survived by a wife and six children, two sons and four daughters, but since then the mother and two sons have passed away. The daughters are Mrs. Thomas Durry, Mrs. Thomas Page and Miss Mary J. Thomas, of Walla Walla; and Mrs. George M. Cosgrove, of Spokane, Washington. The mother, who bore the maiden name of Bridget Rodgers, was born in Ireland, June 24, 1832, and came to America in 1844, first settling in New Orleans and later removing to California. Her death occurred in Walla Walla, November 26, 1905.

Miss Mary J. Thomas, reared in Walla Walla, was educated in St. Vincent's Academy and became a grade teacher in the Baker school of Walla Walla. She has since devoted her life to that profession and became principal of the Baker school, while later she was transferred to the Sharpstein school, of which she is now the principal. She holds to high ideals in her work, is constantly studying out new methods to improve her efficiency and her own zeal and interest in the work have inspired and encouraged both teachers and pupils under her.

JAMES F. CROPP, M. D.

For almost forty years Dr. James F. Cropp has successfully engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Walla Walla, where he was also the promoter and founder of the Walla Walla Hospital, an institution of which the city has every reason to be proud. He has ever occupied a prominent position in professional circles and has been instrumental in maintaining the highest standards of activity in his chosen field, recognizing fully the duties and obligations which devolve upon the physician. He was born in Virginia, April 16, 1854. His father, Silas F. Cropp, was also a native of the Old Dominion, where he followed the occupation of farming. He married Maria Katherine Martin, born in thesame state, and both have passed away. They had a family of four children, of whom two have departed this life.

Dr. Cropp pursued his early education in a little log cabin school in the state of Washington, which at one time was headquarters of the army that went to rescue General Steptoe on Steptoe Butte. The family had come to Washington in 1872. They made their way westward to American Falls, Idaho, driving a team of oxen across the country. They then proceeded by stage to Portland and on to Albany and from that point walked to Walla Walla across the Cascade mountains. From this city they proceeded to a point near the Farmington country and there plowed the ground upon which Farmington is built. From that point they proceeded to Dry creek, near Walla Walla, and Dr. Cropp of this review secured employment in the hay fields, working for Sergeant Smith during the summer. He obtained a dugout near there and gathered a few common school books, and in company with E. H. Nixon, now of Walla Walla, prepared himself as best he could for educational work, after the hours of harvesting were over. He at length secured a school, of which Sergeant Smith was a director, and taught through the winter months. This was a large school and he proved capable in its management and conduct. Later he taught in various other schools through the valley, being thus engaged until 1876, when he walked the greater part of the distance to Portland and there secured passage on the old steamer Ajax, on which he worked his way to San Francisco. This step was actuated by his laudable ambition to prepare for the practice of medicine, which he had determined to make his life work. He there entered the medical department of the University of California, which at that time was only a summer school. At the close of the session, in company with Charles E. Levitt Sajous, now a famous medical practitioner and author of Philadelphia, he started for the east. They worked their way on freight trains and walked part of the way until they reached Philadelphia, where they matriculated in the Jefferson Medical College, from which institution they were both graduated in March, 1878. The determination with which he pursued his education, making his way in spite of seemingly almost insurmountable difficulties, is characteristic of Dr. Cropp. He has never faltered in the performance of a task to which he has set himself and throughout his entire life he has ever carried his well defined plans forward to successful completion. Following his graduation he returned to Walla Walla and in the intervening years has continuously and successfully practiced medicine and surgery. During this period he has also served in various official capacities of a professional nature for the city, county and the state. He has been physician and surgeon to the state penitentiary for six years and since the building of the Odd Fellows Home he has been physician to that institution. In 1890 he built the Walla Walla Hospital, which has since been successfully conducted and from which numerous nurses of very high standing have been graduated, doing important duty in their professional capacity through the city, county and surrounding states, many of them occupying most important positions in other hospitals. While many years have elapsed since Dr. Cropp was graduated, he has by broad reading and thorough study kept in touch with the trend of modern scientific thought and investigation and with the progress that is being continuously made by the profession. His ability is pronounced and he stands not only as the dean of themedical profession in Walla Walla but as one of its most distinguished representatives in the northwest.

In 1879 Dr. Cropp was united in marriage to Miss Ida Hungate, a daughter of H. H. and Mary (Duncan) Hungate and a native of California. They have become parents of a daughter, Hallie H., who is at home. She is connected with the Daughters of the American Revolution, for the ancestors of Dr. Cropp served in the struggle for independence. Dr. Cropp is thoroughly familiar with the history of pioneer development in the northwest. On the trip across the plains, when the family were making their way to the Pacific coast, they encountered considerable trouble with the Indians. He has seen this entire section of the country reclaimed for the purposes of civilization, while the work of development and improvement has been carried steadily forward. His aid and influence have ever been on the side of progress and improvement and his work has had far reaching and beneficial results. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party and fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He belongs to the Commercial Club and cooperates heartily in all of its well defined plans and measures for the welfare and upbuilding of the city. Along strictly professional lines he has connection with the Walla Walla County Medical Society and the Washington State Medical Society. He is interested in their proceedings and contributes in no small measure to the success of some of the meetings, for his judgment is accepted as an authority upon many questions of vital importance to the profession. He has ever held to the highest professional standards and anything that tends to solve the intricate problem which we call life is of interest to him.

EDWARD WILSON CLARK.

Edward Wilson Clark, one of the leading attorneys of Columbia county, practicing at Dayton, was born in Morrow county, near Heppner, Oregon, on the 15th of November, 1865, his parents being Oscar F. and Mary A. (Allen) Clark, the former a native of the state of New York and the latter of Ohio. They were married, however, in Oregon, Mr. Clark having crossed the plains as a young man of twenty-one or twenty-two years in 1846. The mother's parents died when she was but a little child and she made the long trip to the west with her brother, Charles Allen, who arrived in Oregon about 1850. She continued to reside with her brother in this section of the country until her marriage. Oscar F. Clark took part in the Cayuse Indian war and in 1848 made his way northward and settled on what is now the city of Walla Walla in Walla Walla county, Washington. The previous year the Whitman massacre occurred. He became familiar with every phase of pioneer life and bravely met all of its hardships and privations. He was married about 1850 and for some years lived in Corvallis, Oregon. He had been engaged in teaching in the east and was identified with educational work for several years after his removal to Oregon. In later years he was elected county superintendent of schools of Benton county, Oregon, and he was also appointed the first probate judge of that county. In 1866 he became a member of the board of county commissioners of Umatilla county, Oregon, and he was one of those who were most earnest and effective in securing the establishment of the county seat at Pendleton. Indeed he was recognized as a very prominent and influential citizen of Oregon, where he remained until 1877, when he removed to Columbia county, Washington. Taking up his abode in Dayton, he was soon thereafter elected justice of the peace and served in that office for many years. His decisions were strictly fair and impartial, being based upon the law and the equity in the case, and that he enjoyed the full confidence of the public is indicated by his long retention on the justice bench. Death called him in 1898 and his widow, surviving for about a decade, passed away in 1908.

EDWARD W. CLARK

EDWARD W. CLARK

EDWARD W. CLARK

Edward W. Clark was reared under the parental roof and completed his education in the Dayton high school. In 1886 he took up the study of law, reading under the preceptorship of Judge M. M. Godman, of Dayton, and in 1888 he was admitted to the bar, after which he opened a law office in Dayton, his ability placing him, through the intervening years, in the front ranks of the profession. He served for ten years as prosecuting attorney of Columbia county and for five years was city attorney of Dayton. He was also for one year city clerk and at the present writing is a member of the board of education, in which position he has continuously served since 1893. The public school system indeed finds in him a stalwart champion and one whose efforts in its behalf have been characterized by marked progress.

On the 28th of February, 1892, Mr. Clark was united in marriage to Miss Nellie B. Gritman, of Dayton, a daughter of Delos W. and Mary (Davis) Gritman. Her father, who was one of the successful agriculturists and prominent citizens of Columbia county, served for a number of years as a member of the board of county commissioners and was widely recognized as a man of sterling character and genuine worth. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have a son, Roscoe L., who was graduated from Whitman College with the class of 1915 and is now a student in the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia.

Fraternally Mr. Clark is connected with Dayton Camp, No. 95, W. O. W.; with Dayton Circle, No. 238, Women of Woodcraft; and with Dayton Lodge, No. 3, K. P. He ranks with the leading and representative residents of Dayton because of his loyalty in citizenship, because of his genuine personal worth and also by reason of his professional ability. He is a man of well balanced intellect, thoroughly familiar with the law, possessed also of comprehensive general information and of an analytical mind. He is recognized as a formidable adversary in legal combat but one who at all times holds to the highest standards of the profession, his record reflecting credit upon the history of the bench and bar of Washington.

BERT THOMAS, M. D.

Dr. Bert Thomas, occupying a leading position among the most capable and successful medical practitioners of Walla Walla, is well qualified in all those particulars which make for advancement in his chosen profession. His liberal preparatory training well qualified him at the outset of his professional career and in the intervening period he has studied closely and read broadly, thus keepingin touch with the trend of modern professional progress. He was born in Walla Walla county, March 4, 1874. His father, Alfred Thomas, a native of Kentucky, was born in 1828 and in the spring of 1870 made his way to the northwest, becoming identified with agricultural interests in this county. Here he spent his remaining days, covering a period of more than a quarter of a century, his death occurring in 1896. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Eleanor Lewis, was born in Iowa and has also passed away.

Dr. Thomas of this review was one of a family of twelve children, six of whom are yet living and all are residents of Walla Walla county. He acquired a common school education and afterward entered the Whitman College, from which in due time he was graduated. He next became a student in the University of Michigan, matriculating in the medical department, from which he was graduated with the class of 1904. He then put his theoretical knowledge to the practical test in a year's service in a hospital in Jackson, Michigan, and gained the broad and valuable knowledge and experience which can never be as quickly acquired in any other way as in hospital work. On the expiration of that period he returned to Walla Walla, where he has since practiced medicine and surgery, and throughout the intervening years he has maintained a place in the front ranks of the profession. He is very careful in the diagnosis of his cases and seldom, if ever, at fault in matters of professional judgment. He belongs to the Walla Walla Valley Medical Society, the Washington State Medical Association and the American Medical Association and thus keeps abreast with modern thought, investigation and research.

Dr. Thomas married Miss Orville Green, who was born in Walla Walla, a daughter of W. O. and Mary F. (Young) Green, who were pioneers of this county, having crossed the plains in 1852. Dr. Thomas belongs to the Masonic fraternity and is a faithful exemplar of the teachings of the craft. His entire life measures up to high standards and those whom he has met in social relations entertain for him the warmest friendship and regard, for his salient qualities are those which make for personal popularity.

PATRICK O'CONNOR.

Patrick O'Connor, deceased, was an enterprising and successful farmer and stock raiser of Columbia county and his name deserves a place upon the pages of its history. He was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, March 16, 1850, and was reared in the land of his birth. On reaching the age of sixteen, however, he determined to try his fortune in the new world, for he had heard favorable reports concerning its opportunities and advantages. On reaching American shores he at once crossed the continent to the Pacific coast and located in San Francisco, California, where he remained for nine years. He was there employed in a boiler factory and at street car work. After spending over five years in that city he came northward to Walla Walla in 1880 with the intention of returning to San Francisco but found Walla Walla to his liking and took up his abode there. He was made section foreman for the Union Pacific Railway and for a considerable period was active in that connection. In subsequent years he made several removals, living for a short time in Dayton and a short time on the present home ranch near Starbuck. In 1896 he took up his abode on his Columbia county farm, first purchasing forty-six acres of land. To this, however, he added from time to time as his financial resources permitted until at his death he was the owner of an excellent tract of land of two hundred and sixty-seven acres, upon which he engaged extensively in stock raising and in the growing of alfalfa. In business affairs he was energetic and determined. He allowed no obstacles nor difficulties to bar his path if they could be overcome by persistent and earnest effort. He worked diligently and as the years passed on gained a place among the substantial farmers of his adopted county, his attention being given to general agricultural pursuits and stock raising until his death, which occurred May 7, 1910.

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